What Is a Home Sleep Test?
A home sleep test (HST), also called a home sleep study, is a simplified overnight test used to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea in the comfort of your own bed. You will pick up a small, portable recording device from our office (or receive one by mail), wear it for one night while you sleep, and return it the next day. The device records your breathing, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns while you sleep.
Important: Please read all of these instructions — and the quick-start guide included with your device — before the night of your test. Our office will not be available to answer questions during the night while the test is underway. If anything about the setup is unclear, call our office before closing time on the day of your test so we can walk you through it.
Before Your Test — Day Of
- Review the device instructions ahead of time so you are comfortable with the setup before bedtime
- Avoid napping the day of the test — you want to be naturally tired at bedtime
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol after 12:00 noon (no coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, or alcohol)
- Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your physician has instructed otherwise
- Do not apply lotions, oils, or creams to your face, chest, or finger — they can interfere with the sensors
- If you wear nail polish or artificial nails, remove the polish from at least one finger — the oxygen sensor reads through your fingernail
- Follow your normal evening routine and go to bed at your usual time
Setting Up the Device
Your home sleep test kit typically includes three parts. Put the device on just before you are ready to go to sleep, following the illustrated quick-start guide included in your kit:
- WatchPAT device — worn on your wrist like a watch. The strap should be snug but comfortable, positioned just above your wrist bone
- Heart rate monitor (chest sensor) — a small sensor that attaches to the center of your chest, just below the notch at the base of your neck. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying it
- Finger probe (pulse oximeter) — a soft sensor worn on your fingertip that measures your blood oxygen level and heart rate
Once everything is in place and you are ready to go to sleep, start the recording as directed in your device's instructions (many devices start automatically or with a single button press — check for the indicator light described in your quick-start guide).
During the Night
- Turn off all Bluetooth devices in the room before starting the test — they can interfere with the recording
- Start the test only once you are ready to go to sleep — do not start it while reading, watching TV, or doing other activities
- Sleep as you normally would — it is okay to change positions, and the sensors are designed to stay in place
- If a sensor comes loose or falls off during the night, simply reattach it and go back to sleep
- If you need to get up to use the restroom, you may do so — leave the device on and reattach anything that comes loose
- Try to sleep at least 6 hours to ensure the device captures enough data
- Do not worry if you sleep poorly — the study can still capture useful data even if your sleep is not perfect
The Morning After
- When you wake up for the day, stop the recording (if your device requires it) and remove the WatchPAT, chest sensor, and finger probe
- Place all components back in the kit or carrying case
- Return the device to our office the next business day as scheduled so our sleep team can download and score your data — and so the device is available for the next patient
Results and Follow-Up
Once the device is returned, your data will be downloaded, scored, and reviewed by your sleep physician. Results are typically available within 10–15 days, and our office will contact you to schedule your follow-up appointment to review the findings and discuss treatment options if needed.
Questions?
If you have any questions about your home sleep test, please call our office during regular business hours before the night of your test. We are happy to walk you through the setup step by step.
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