DFW Home Sleep Test
If you believe you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, the first step to improving your sleep health and quality of life is undergoing a sleep evaluation with a board certified sleep specialist. To learn more about sleep disorders or to schedule a home sleep study with eos sleep diagnostics in DFW, call 817.741.5050 or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment. DFW Home Sleep Test
What is a home sleep test (HST)?
A diagnostic home sleep study, also called a home sleep test (HST) or home sleep apnea test, is a tool used by sleep medicine doctors to diagnose and monitor the sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The test is performed according to standards of practice and can be done in the comfort of a patient’s own home. The easy-to-use test works directly with a patient and explains simple directions for using the equipment. It integrates physiological data with clinical history and anthropomorphic data to help your doctor diagnose the presence and severity of OSA.
A home sleep test is lightweight, wireless, and sleep-wearable, worn on the head during sleep. The small device can measure and store data about a wide range of important body functions, including the following:
- Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2)
- Pulse rate (reflectance pulse oximetry)
- Airflow (by nasal cannula connected to a pressure transducer)
- Snoring levels (calibrated acoustic microphone)
- Head movement / head position (accelerometers)
Why is an at home sleep test performed?
Often, an at-home sleep apnea test can provide a better profile of a patient’s breathing during sleep because it is done in his/her normal nighttime environment. Your doctor may recommend a home sleep study if you suffer from any of the following signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Snoring
- Loud gasping or snorting sounds during the night
- Sudden awakenings during the night
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood swings/irritability
- Lowered daytime focus
- Decreased libido
- Memory loss
What does a home sleep study involve?
When using an at-home sleep apnea test, you will be given the small sleep study device as well as instructions to follow while using the home sleep study. Both of these items will be taken home with you and you will follow the simple steps for the sleep study before bed that evening.
The technology used for your home sleep study usually involves a lightweight device that is worn around your head while you sleep, which measures specific details about your sleep quality and body functions throughout the night.
A sleep lab test monitors the following body functions during your sleep:
- Breathing patterns
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Eye movements
- Brainwaves
- Body movements
- Speaking or noises
What are the advantages of undergoing a home sleep test?
Undergoing a sleep study at home after guidance from FMNTX can result in the following benefits:
- Eliminates the need to stay in a hospital or sleep lab for overnight testing
- Accurately diagnoses and monitors sleep apnea
- Provides important information about a patient’s breathing and body functions during sleep
- Can be done from the comfort of your home