Sleep Apnea Testing: What to Expect From Your Home Polysomnogram

If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, an at-home polysomnogram can help you get an answer so you can receive the treatment you need. Read on to learn what you can expect before, during, and after your home sleep study.

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by intense snoring and interrupted breathing during sleep. Left untreated, it can have a significant impact on your overall health.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, Dr. Asif Aziz and Guiselle Berry, FNP, may recommend a home polysomnogram, which is a diagnostic sleep apnea study conducted in the comfort of your own bed.

Here’s what you can expect from your home polysomnogram from the specialists at Elite Primary Care, PA, in Greenville, Texas.

What does an at-home sleep study do?

Unlike traditional in-lab sleep studies, a home polysomnogram involves using a portable device to monitor various physiological parameters while you sleep. This typically includes measurements of airflow, oxygen levels, respiratory effort, and heart rate.

Because you undergo this sleep study in the comfort of your own bed, the test typically depicts a more accurate picture of how you sleep each night than if you were to complete the study in a sleep lab.

Preparing for your at-home sleep study

Dr. Aziz provides you with instructions on how to prepare for the home sleep study. This may involve avoiding caffeine and certain medications. You will also be asked to maintain your regular sleep routine.

We provide the home sleep testing kit, and it typically includes sensors that you attach according to the instructions. These sensors are painless and designed for easy application. They record data throughout the night, which allows Dr. Aziz to complete a comprehensive analysis of your sleep patterns.

What to expect from your home polysomnogram

On the scheduled night, you can expect to wear the monitoring equipment as you sleep. The device records data for later analysis by sleep specialists. Try to sleep as naturally as possible to provide accurate information about your sleep habits.

What to expect after your sleep study

After completing the study, you return the equipment to our team, and the recorded data gets analyzed to assess your breathing patterns, sleep stages, and the presence of any abnormalities indicative of sleep apnea.

Dr. Aziz discusses the results of your home polysomnogram with you. If he diagnoses sleep apnea, he works with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, or other interventions.

Why sleep apnea testing matters

Sleep apnea is more than just troublesome snoring. Untreated, it wreaks havoc on your mental and physical health. It can:

Cause daytime sleepiness
Make it difficult to focus at work and home
Lead to morning headaches, sore throats, and nocturia
Increase your risk of heart failure by 140%

The good news is that sleep apnea is manageable, and the first step is confirming that you have it. That’s why sleep studies are invaluable. Your home polysomnogram provides the information that Dr. Aziz needs to confirm a diagnosis and shape your treatment plan.

Your sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity, and we can help you get back on track. If you’d like to learn more about sleep apnea, at-home sleep studies, or your potential treatments, give us a call at 903-437-9212 or book an appointment online to get started.