Search
Close this search box.

HSAT for Patients

What to Expect with a Home Sleep Testing Study 

Home sleep testing (HST) is often preferred for initial testing by some insurers over in-lab attended sleep studies. While in-lab studies are considered the “gold standard” for sleep testing, HST offers several advantages: 

  1. Convenience: HST allows patients to undergo testing in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for an overnight stay in a sleep center. 
  2. Accessibility: It is more accessible, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling to a sleep center or live in remote areas. 
  3. Cost-effectiveness: HST is generally less expensive than in-lab studies, making it a more affordable option for both patients and healthcare providers. 
  4. Simplicity: The setup for HST devices is simpler and less invasive compared to the extensive array of sensors used in in-lab studies, which can lead to increased patient comfort. 
  5. Specific Applications: HST is particularly suitable for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with a high pre-test probability, as it primarily focuses on respiratory events during sleep. 

However, it’s important to note that in-lab attended sleep studies (polysomnography) remain essential for diagnosing a broader range of sleep disorders and for cases where comprehensive monitoring of multiple physiological parameters (such as brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, and heart rhythm) is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. 

While HST is beneficial for many patients, it may be less accurate for individuals with certain conditions such as congestive heart failure, severe or chronic pulmonary disease, neurological disorders, or other complex sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias. HST is also not approved for use in minors.  In such cases, an in-lab sleep study is typically recommended for a more thorough evaluation. 

If your healthcare provider has recommended a home sleep testing study (HST), or if your insurance authorizes HST first to evaluate your sleep patterns and potential sleep disorders, here’s what you can expect from the process: 

Before the Study 

  • Device Pickup or Delivery: You’ll either pick up the portable monitoring device from one of our Sleep Centers or Offices or have it delivered to your home. 
  • Instructions: You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to set up and use the device properly. This may include attaching sensors to measure your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you sleep. 
  • Schedule: Follow any specific instructions regarding when to start the test, typically before your usual bedtime. 

During the Study 

  • Comfort: The goal is to replicate your normal sleep environment as closely as possible to ensure accurate results. You can sleep in your own bed and maintain your regular bedtime routine. 
  • Data Collection: The device will automatically collect data throughout the night. Make sure to follow any specific instructions, such as keeping the device connected and undisturbed. 
  • Multiple Night Testing: We do request that you use your home sleep testing device for two nights to help ensure we get the best collection of data possible.  Once the data sets are collected, and the device is returned, we will choose the best quality tracing to send to our sleep specialists for interpretation.

After the Study 

  • Device Return: After completing the test, you’ll return the device to the location that you picked it up from or, if initially shipped, follow the return shipping instructions provided. 
  • Review of Results: A sleep specialist will analyze the data collected and populate a report that will explain any findings and recommend appropriate treatment or further evaluation if necessary.  It is important you have a follow-up with your provider after testing to discuss the results and treatment plan. 

Advantages of Home Sleep Testing 

  • Convenience: Testing can be done in the comfort of your own home, eliminating the need for an overnight stay in a sleep center. 
  • Accessibility: Especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those living in remote areas. 

Limitations of Home Sleep Testing 

  • Scope of Monitoring: While HST can diagnose certain sleep disorders like sleep apnea, it may not be as comprehensive as an attended polysomnography conducted in a sleep center.  HST is NOT approved for use in minors. 

Conclusion 

Home sleep testing provides a convenient and effective way to evaluate sleep disorders in a comfortable environment. By following the instructions provided and ensuring proper setup of the monitoring device, you can contribute to obtaining accurate results that will guide your healthcare provider in diagnosing and treating any sleep-related issues. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the home sleep testing process, don’t hesitate to discuss them with us or your healthcare provider.  Our support staff is here to help!  Your comfort and understanding throughout the testing process are important for achieving the best possible outcomes for your sleep health. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Book an Appointment Skip to content