You’ve probably heard about sleep labs, where people go overnight to have a sleep study conducted. The idea of sleeping in an unfamiliar place while you’re wearing monitors probably isn’t very appealing, and it can be inconvenient to pack your bags and be away from home for the night.
You may not be familiar with another option – home sleep studies – that’s becoming increasingly popular.
In this blog, Dr. Marc Bowen will explain the benefits of a home sleep study in NYC.
What is a home sleep study?
A home sleep study – also called a polysomnogram – evaluates a patient in order to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep studies can be conducted in sleep labs or hospitals, but today, patients have a much more convenient option known as a home sleep study. This allows patients to have the test performed from the comfort of their own bed but still gives the doctor the data he or she needs to diagnose or rule out obstructive sleep apnea and determine its severity.
If you’re exhibiting signs of sleep apnea – including excessive daytime sleepiness, chronic snoring, or even just chronic fatigue and feeling tired often – then a home sleep study may be recommended in order to accurately diagnose your condition.
What is involved with a home sleep study?
With a home sleep study, you’ll be provided with a small device and simple instructions. You’ll take the device home and follow the steps for performing the sleep study before you get ready for bed.
The home sleep study technology involves wearing a compact device around your head as you sleep. It collects important data about your vital signs – such as your heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, and respiratory effort.
After your test, you’ll return the device to Dr. Bowen so he can interpret your results and make a diagnosis. This will give him the information he needs to tailor an effective treatment plan to address your specific sleep issues.
What are the benefits of a home sleep study in NYC?
The benefits of a home sleep study include:
- It’s performed from the comfort and convenience of your own bed.
- You’ll probably sleep more in your own bed and home, so the test is likely to produce more data and provide a better profile of your breathing.
- The test produces accurate results and has a quick turnaround, enabling your doctor to make or rule out a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
- It’s a cost-effective option, since it eliminates the need for an overnight hospital or sleep lab stay.
Although a home sleep study is right for many patients, it may not be appropriate for all patients and an in-lab study may be recommended instead.
This may be the case if another sleep disorder in addition to obstructive sleep apnea is suspected or if you have other health issues that make a more involved diagnostic test necessary.
Is home sleep testing for me?
Home sleep testing is often recommended for patients with:
- Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetes
- Insomnia
Where can I be evaluated for a home sleep study in NYC?
Marc Bowen, M.D., is a New York City pulmonologist who provides the highest quality of care with an emphasis on a highly personalized patient experience.
After you complete home sleep testing, Dr. Bowen will be able to interpret the data provided by your polysomnogram and make an accurate diagnosis. If the results indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Bowen will prescribe the best treatment for your particular case and will explain the next steps to follow in order to achieve the restful and restorative sleep you deserve.
If you suspect that you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, or if you’re interested in finding out more about a home sleep study in NYC, please contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
