Home-Based Sleep Studies: An alternative to a Sleep Clinic
Various testing options are used to determine the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). OSA is a common sleep disorder in which numerous breathing pauses occur during sleep. The two typical tests are Polysomnography (PSG) and Private Home Sleep Studies. Each type of sleep study requires a sleep recording to assess certain body functions.
Testing for Sleep Apnoea
In the UK alone, an estimated two million people suffer from mild to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). As well as heavy snoring, one of the major symptoms is fatigue due to sleep deprivation. This fatigue leads to a 6-fold increased risk of road traffic accidents due to poor concentration or from falling asleep at the wheel. The significant impact of Sleep Apnoea makes sleep testing crucial for diagnosing the disorder.
Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea include:
- Fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Interruptions to sleep
- Poor concentration
- Increased irritability
- Morning headaches
NHS Sleep Clinic
It is possible to have a sleep test with the NHS with a referral from your GP to an NHS sleep clinic near you. However, it is reported that OSA sufferers in the UK can wait up to two years to receive the treatment they require through the NHS. A report from the BBC in 2020 highlighted this issue.
Read the full article here:- BBC: Up to two-year wait for sleep apnoea treatment
The delay can include waiting for an initial appointment at a hospital following a GP referral and then waiting again before seeing a sleep specialist. This can be compounded by waiting even longer for a sleep clinic to see you.
Types of Sleep Studies
Polysomnography
If you or your GP thinks you may have Sleep Apnoea, you may be referred to a sleep clinic for a PSG.
A sleep clinic is a healthcare facility that specialises in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. A PSG is beneficial to those with complex sleep issues, such as those with symptoms of Insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, OSA and more. Polysomnography provides detailed information about a person’s sleep patterns and helps diagnose sleep-related disorders.
Having a Sleep Apnoea test at a sleep clinic will require an overnight stay in an environment that will be totally different from your usual bedroom setting and require a different routine in the lead-up to going to sleep. Some people can find this unsettling, causing them to sleep less than they would at home.
For this reason, some prefer to carry out a sleep study at home rather than in a clinical setting to reduce the number of variables that could alter their result.
How does a PSG Work?
Multiple Sensor Placement: During a PSG, numerous sensors are attached to your skin with adhesive to monitor various physiological functions. The sensors monitor eye movements, brain activity, muscle activity, heart rate, chest and abdominal movements, airflow, snoring, leg movements and body positions. A small clip is also placed on your finger or ear to monitor your blood oxygen levels. The test is non-invasive and typically painless, although your skin may be sensitive to the adhesive.
Monitoring: These sensors collect data throughout the night, and a sleep specialist will monitor your sleep. The sleep technicians will observe your sleep patterns and make any necessary adjustments to the equipment as required.
Follow-up: Once your PSG is complete, the data is analysed, and a report is created. You will be informed of your results and notified of the next steps; this may involve initialising the recommended treatment method.
Polysomnography is a great way to confirm the presence of many different sleep disorders because of its comprehensive monitoring. Although waiting times for an NHS PSG can be extensive, there are other routes for those showing specific signs of only one disorder.
A home sleep study is a simpler way to confirm Sleep Apnoea. Home testing provides accuracy comparable to Polysomnography in a simplified and portable format.
Home Sleep Studies
Testing from home provides convenience, is more cost-effective and is just as accurate.
How does a Home Sleep Study work?
Equipment: Once a test is ordered, it will be sent to you in the post. You will find everything you need to take the test included in your test kit. The test includes:
– A set of instructions
– A WatchPAT recording device that goes on your wrist.
– A chest sensor
– A finger sensor
– 2x AAA batteries
– Hypoallergenic adhesive strips
Taking the test: You must turn off any transmitting devices (smartwatches, phones, headphones) before taking your test. You must remove any tight clothing, jewellery, nail varnish or artificial nails, as these can interfere with the test readings and accuracy.
Depending on the type of home test you use, you may or may not need internet access to download the WatchPAT One application.
The WatchPAT sits around your wrist. The finger sensor can be placed on any finger (except the thumb) on your non-dominant hand, and the chest sensor should be applied directly to your skin. You can use the hypoallergenic adhesive strips to secure it onto your chest. The test is comfortable and requires one night of sleep data.
Results: A sleep specialist will analyse your sleep data and determine whether you have OSA. You will receive a detailed results report explaining the data. Results are with you within two working days after completing the test.
Follow-up: Your results letter will state what you should do next. If you have a positive confirmation of OSA, we will advise you of the best treatment options. We will provide this in your results and guide your treatment process. You can contact us with any questions so we can ensure you get the sleep you need.
In-Home Sleep Studies for a Faster Result
Anyone who suspects they may have the disorder should consult with their doctor as soon as possible. Our In-Home Sleep Study is one of the most comprehensive home testing diagnostic tests available and can offer a fast, confidential confirmation of Sleep Apnoea.
Our detailed In-Home Sleep Study uses the revolutionary WatchPAT diagnostic. This device provides accuracy comparable to polysomnography (PSG). Our test is a great option if you’ve been looking for a private sleep clinic or would prefer not to be on the NHS sleep study waiting list.
Why Choose a Private Sleep Study?
Many of our customers find themselves waiting too long for a sleep clinic referral and need a faster alternative. A private sleep study provides just that and puts you one step closer to solving your sleeping problems.
All of our Home Sleep Study orders come with free next-day delivery, and we only share your results with you; we do not inform the DVLA – read more on Sleep Apnoea and driving.
The in-home sleep test is a highly convenient first step toward diagnosing and treating Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. You can order the test online and discreetly delivered to your door.
The first step to understanding if you are at risk of having Sleep Apnoea is to complete our FREE OSA Risk Assessment. The risk test takes just 20 seconds to complete and assesses your chance of having Sleep Apnoea. If you are at risk, we advise you to participate in a further, more thorough overnight Sleep Study.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us to speak with our friendly team.