Sleep Testing
1 in every 15 Americans has a case of sleep apnea. Side Health™ is here to provide you with information on its definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
At-Home Sleep Studies
What is a sleep study?
A sleep study is a test that monitors you while you are sleeping to determine how well you sleep and if you have any sleep problems. Sometimes sleep studies are done in a sleep lab, and other times they can be completed at-home with portable monitoring equipment.
Sleep studies can be ordered for many reasons, but one of the most common reasons is for further evaluation of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and can lead to tiredness, daytime sleepiness and excessive snoring.
If an at-home sleep study is recommended, our office will mail you a WatchPAT device. WatchPAT is an FDA-approved home sleep study device that allows for reliable testing for sleep apnea in the comfort of your own home. It is a one-time use device that is easily attached to three points of contact: your chest (via a chest sensor), your finger (via a finger probe), and your wrist (via a test bracelet on your non-dominant hand).
The device assesses your sleep with Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT), measuring how much constriction or dilation are in the arteries of your finger. Through monitoring the PAT signal, your oxygen level, and your pulse rate, sleep apnea can be accurately detected and diagnosed.
Within one minute of completing the test, the raw data is then downloaded and auto-scored. A medical provider will then review the data for further diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
What is the treatment of sleep apnea?
Your provider may discuss general recommendations to help improve sleep apnea which may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
Further treatment of sleep apnea generally includes a “continuous positive airway pressure device” also known as a CPAP device. A CPAP device includes a mask which goes over the nose and/or mouth and helps to prevent you from stopping breathing. The settings for your device are then further individualized based on your home study results. It is very important to use your CPAP device daily for effective treatment.
Book an appointment so we can help you get the quality sleep you deserve!