Home Sleep Testing Specialist

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study, called a polysomnogram, is the only way to test for obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.

Although Dr. Thakkar performs on-site sleep testing in her five-star facility, she also offers another option: A medical device that collects information about your breathing while you sleep at home.

On-site sleep testing may be recommended for some patients, especially those with underlying health problems like cardiovascular or lung disease, or those who may have a sleep disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea.

On-site testing is safely monitored by trained health professionals and allows more advanced monitoring of your heart, brain, eye, and muscle movements that you don’t get with home testing.

What is in a home sleep testing kit?

Your home sleep testing kit includes several components that you place on your body right before it’s time for bed. Dr. Thakkar works with you to be sure you’re comfortable with setting up and using the device before you take it home.

The basic components included in-home sleep tests are:

• Sensor: placed over your fingertip to measure pulse and blood oxygen levels
• Chest belt: placed around your chest where a built-in sensor measures breathing effort based on chest movement
• Nasal cannula: small tubes placed in each nostril measure air flow
• Portable monitor: all sensors connect to the monitor, which records data

When you receive your kit, Dr. Thakkar lets you know whether you should collect information on one or several nights and provides any other instructions you may need to get accurate results. For example, it’s usually best to avoid alcohol the night you’re testing because it may affect your normal sleep patterns.

What happens after your home sleep testing?

Dr. Thakkar analyzes the information recorded on your sleep monitor, such as fluctuations in blood oxygen, snoring frequency, and apnea episodes. One of the key measurements is the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

The AHI reports the number of apnea and hypopnea episodes you have every hour while you sleep. Hypopnea refers to times when your airflow is partially obstructed. An apnea episode occurs when your breathing stops for at least 10 seconds.

Your breathing is rated according to the AHI as follows:

• Normal breathing: fewer than five episodes per hour
• Mild sleep apnea: 5-15 episodes per hour
• Moderate sleep apnea: 15-29 episodes per hour
• Severe sleep apnea: 30 episodes or more

If you snore loudly or experience excessive fatigue during the day, you may need a home sleep testing kit, so call Golden Gate Sleep Centers or book an appointment online.