Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects millions and is often undiagnosed. In fact, up to 80% of cases remain undetected. The first step to better sleep? A sleep study.
While traditional in-lab studies offer detailed insights, they’re not the only option. Home sleep testing provides a simpler, more convenient way to get answers—no wires, no sleep labs, and no overnight stays.
In this post, we'll look at and compare the popular at home sleep study vs lab sleep studies and help you determine which one might be right for you.
A sleep study (polysomnography) diagnostic test monitors your sleep to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea. This study involves placing sensors on your body to track various sleep-related activities, including brain waves, eye movement, heart rate, breathing, and more. During a sleep study, healthcare professionals collect information while you sleep to gain insight into your sleep quality and identify any issues that may be impacting your overall level of rest.
Are you not sure if your symptoms are serious enough? Here are some common signs of sleep apnea:
If these sound familiar, it may be time to seek professional help. Start with our quick 5-Minute Sleep Screening to assess your risk level and get personalized recommendations.
Once you’ve determined the need for a sleep study, the next step is to decide whether to opt for a traditional lab sleep study or a more convenient at home sleep test. Here’s how the two options compare:
Laboratory sleep studies are commonly conducted in hospitals or specialized sleep labs. While these studies provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns, they come with some major drawbacks. You'll spend the night at a sleep center where technicians will keep an eye on your sleep and your vital signs. Surrounded by wires and monitors, it'll be hard not to dream of your bed back at home.
While thorough, it has its downsides:
At-home sleep tests may seem less thorough than in-lab tests because they don’t have as many sensors, but that doesn’t mean they’re less effective.
A home sleep study monitors important parameters like respiration rate, airflow, oxygen levels, and heart rate – which provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns and possible sleep apnea.
A typical home sleep test includes:
Looking for a simple and reliable sleep apnea study at home? The Night Owl Sleep Study is one of the easiest and most accurate options available today.
Unlike other sleep testing devices that require multiple readings from multiple locations on the body, the NightOwl® has a single sensor that is attached to the fingertip. This simplified design reduces the size of the device and eliminates any potential discomfort, resulting in a more comfortable relaxing testing experience.
With a focus on simplicity, accuracy, and patient comfort, the NightOwl® stands out as one of the best at home sleep studies on the market.
Begin your journey to better sleep with CPAP Supply USA’s NightOwl® Home Sleep Test.
Ultimately, choosing between a sleep study at home vs a lab sleep study will depend on your individual needs and what you are seeking a diagnosis for. Regardless of which you choose, rest assured that you are making the right choice when it comes to understanding and managing your sleep.
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