What Is Home Sleep Testing?

Home sleep testing (HST) — also called a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) — is a simplified sleep study that a patient performs at home. The test uses a portable monitoring device to record key physiological signals during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and airflow.

Home sleep testing is primarily used to evaluate for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in appropriate patients. It is a physician-ordered test — the device is provided by SMIT, and results are interpreted by our board-certified sleep medicine physician.

How Home Sleep Testing Works

1. 1

   Physician Order

   Your sleep medicine physician determines whether home sleep testing is appropriate for your clinical situation.

2. 2

   Device Pickup

   You receive the portable monitoring device from our office along with instructions for proper use.

3. 3

   Sleep at Home

   You wear the device during a normal night of sleep in your own home. Most devices are simple to apply and do not require a technician.

4. 4

   Return the Device

   You return the device to our office the following morning.

5. 5

   Physician Interpretation

   Our physician reviews and interprets the recorded data and discusses the results with you at a follow-up appointment.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Home sleep testing is appropriate for certain patients — typically adults with a high clinical probability of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and no significant comorbid conditions that would require in-lab testing.

Home sleep testing is NOT appropriate for all patients. In-lab polysomnography is recommended when:

The appropriate test type is a clinical decision made by your sleep medicine physician based on your individual situation.

Home Sleep Testing vs. Sleep Laboratory