Sleep Study

Missing out on quality sleep can be a major health concern, and fortunately there is an effective way to measure our sleeping habits – a sleep study. Sleep tests are conducted by sleep specialists or physicians as they monitor vital functions while you rest in order to uncover patterns that might have gone unnoticed otherwise.

Through this data they can get the clearest possible understanding of how we’re getting (or not getting) the quality shut-eye we need, allowing them to properly diagnose problems and create personalized plans for each individual’s long term wellbeing. No one likes waking up exhausted and unrested, yet millions of people suffer from sleep disorders that rob them of quality shut-eye.

Thankfully, a sleep study can diagnose an array of issues such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. There are also lesser-known but equally troublesome maladies like Kleine–Levin Syndrome and parasomnias which require expert diagnosis for proper treatment. A good night’s rest may be closer than you think!

In-Lab Sleep

An in-lab sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (PSG), is a test where people go to a sleep laboratory usually located in a hospital or care clinic setting. These overnight sleep studies are monitored by on-site sleep technicians who closely monitor all the data collected. The patient will have electrodes attached to their heads and bodies while they are sleeping. These tests measure brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, muscle activity, eye movement, and oxygen levels. A doctor may use these results to diagnose any medical conditions that could affect someone’s sleep.

At-Home Sleep Study

An at-home sleep test is when a patient is given (or shipped) a device that is worn for one or more nights to track sleep patterns while they are sleeping at home. Patients wear a couple of sensors that measure airflow, oxygen level, snoring, and breathing. These sensors gather enormous amounts of data which is analyzed and interpreted by a doctor or sleep physician.

Home sleep studies have some similarities to an in-lab test (PSG), but there are far fewer monitors on a home sleep study. While you get less data from a home sleep study, the sleep that you do get is much more indicative of a normal night sleep. With fewer monitors, at home testing loses some of the ability in testing for complicated sleep disorders, but leaves the ability intact to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA occurs when the airway collapses repeatedly throughout the night causing interrupted breathing and low blood oxygen levels. When patients have OSA, they may experience excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, headaches, depression, irritability, weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and even death.

Benefits of an At-Home Sleep Study

At-home sleep tests can be a great way to figure out what’s happening while we slumber – without ever having to step foot in a professional heathcare clinic. Thanks to advances in technology, these at-home studies are efficient and user-friendly, allowing us to diagnose sleeping problems quickly and accurately with the help of a doctor’s prescription. You’ll be provided an easy-to-use device and straightforward instructions, giving you the potential path toward better days. Ever as important, they can identify issues that can’t always be seen through traditional clinic visits, ensuring better accuracy than ever before.

• A sleep study will help diagnose any underlying causes of your sleep problems.
• Home sleep tests are cheaper than lab tests.
• Improving your sleep can improve your quality of life. A sleep test is the first step.

Home Sleep Test Awareness

• This type of sleep study is usually recommended if you have symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring.
• HST is considered a safe alternative to polysomnography (PSG).
• A home sleep test allows patients to avoid traveling to the hospital for a test.
• There’s no way to know if you have sleep apnea without having a sleep study done.
• Your insurance company may cover all or part of the cost of a home sleep test.

Why Do Doctors Use an At-Home Sleep Study to Diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Doctors use an at home sleep study to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea because it provides them with objective evidence of the condition. Objective evidence means that the symptoms being experienced cannot be faked or exaggerated. In addition, the at home sleep study eliminates the need for expensive overnight hospital stays. As mentioned previously, a home sleep study allows the doctor to evaluate your sleep in a much more natural state and in an environment in which you are familiar. Sleeping in a hospital bed with several monitors attached to you isn’t always the best option for diagnosing breathing related sleep disorders.

Sleep Apnea Test Cost

Sleep studies are usually covered by medical insurance companies. They can range anywhere between $300 to $1,500 depending on the type of sleep test. The cost is substaintially higher for the in lab polysomnogram. When it comes to the cost of an at-home sleep apnea test, it can vary as well. Generally, insurance plans will cover the costs of a sleep study, but there are still out-of-pocket expenses depending on your specific medical insurance plan, coverage, and deductible. Our friendly and professional staff are available to answer any questions you may have regarding costs, insurance coverage and payment options.

Is a Sleep Study Worth It?

Sleep affects our overall health, so it’s important to take it seriously. Can’t seem to get a good night’s rest? It might be worth considering a sleep study to find out what may be preventing you from getting the quality sleep you deserve. Home sleep tests can provide professional results without breaking the bank and are much more affordable than complete in-lab tests. Whether you decide to conduct an in-home or in-lab sleep study, the best thing you can do is take control of your own health. A better night’s rest may be just what you need.

What if you don’t have insurance?

At Fort Wayne Sleep Solutions, we understand that not everyone is able to afford health insurance. That’s why we believe in treating everyone with individualized care regardless of their ability to pay. We offer multiple financing options to those who don’t have insurance so that they are still able to receive the best treatment possible. Whether you are on a fixed-income or without insurance, we can work with you to help you get treatment you need.