What is a home sleep study?
A home sleep study is a test that patients can take from their ear, nose and throat doctor’s office and use at home to test for snoring and sleep apnea. Most sleep studies are done in one night, and monitor the patient’s body functions as they sleep. Generally, patients return to their ENT doctor the following day to return the testing machine and go over the results.
Why is an at home sleep study used?
Home sleep studies are used by New York ENT doctors to accurately diagnose the following conditions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Snoring
- Poor blood pressure while sleeping
- Insufficient oxygen levels during sleep
Sleep studies can also be used to monitor a patient’s progress with a snoring or sleep apnea treatment.
What does a home sleep study involve?
Prior to a sleep study, patients should meet with an ear, nose and throat specialist at New York ENT to go over how to operate the sleep study machine. Your doctor will walk you through the process of attaching sensors to your body, how to follow the testing machine prompts, and what to do to prepare your body for the sleep study (go to sleep at your regular time, avoid napping and caffeine, etc.). Your ENT doctor will also address any questions or concerns you have about the test during this time.
Patients then take the test machine home with them. Patients should follow their usual routine and follow their doctor’s instructions. After the patient completes the sleep study, they will return it to their doctor’s office and go over the results with their ENT physician.
What are the advantages of using a home sleep study?
Using an in home sleep study has the following benefits:
- Helps your doctor accurately diagnose sleep problems
- Can be done in the comfort of your own bed
- Monitors body levels, such as blood pressure and oxygen, during sleep
If you believe you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience treating a variety of sleep disorders. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036 to schedule an appointment today.