What is home sleep testing?

Home sleep testing helps to determine if you have a sleep-related breathing disorder. The home sleep test unit monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you’re asleep to identify signs of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a common problem, but one many people don’t realize they have. There are two kinds, the most common being obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you have OSA, the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax when you’re asleep, blocking your airway.

Central sleep apnea is a less common neurological condition stemming from a problem in your nervous system. It means the muscles that enable you to breathe stopped working during sleep. With both forms of sleep apnea, when you stop breathing, your brain usually wakes you up, so you start breathing again.

You probably won’t remember in the morning, but this can happen multiple times during the night, reducing your oxygen intake and preventing restorative sleep. These issues can have serious long-term effects on your health, so addressing them is vital. Century Sleep Inc.’s home sleep testing is a straightforward, convenient way to confirm you have sleep apnea.

How does home sleep testing work?

The home sleep study device is easy to use. You receive complete written instructions, and one of the Century Sleep Inc. sleep technologists walks you through the process. They show you how to use the home sleep test device and explain what happens when you get your results.

You also get a link to an online video showing you how to set up and use the device. An after-hours support line is available if you have questions or problems while setting up and using the home sleep test device.

Century Sleep Inc. can ship the home study device to you (depending on where you live). You complete and return the paperwork in your package and use the prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label to send the device back to Century Sleep Inc. after use.

What’s the difference between home and in-center sleep testing?

Home sleep tests are great for diagnosing sleep apnea but aren’t as comprehensive as in-center sleep tests. They may miss milder cases of sleep apnea, and only in-center sleep studies can diagnose other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness) and sleep-related movement disorders like restless legs syndrome.

Call Century Sleep Inc. or request an appointment online today to learn more about the benefits of home sleep testing for sleep apnea diagnosis.