HomeSleep Test/ Polygraphy (Level 3 Study):

An at-home sleep test is a simplified version of an in-lab test. There’s no technician. On the night of the test, you can follow your regular bedtime routine.
Most at-home sleep apnea monitors are easy to set up. They generally include the following components:

finger clip that measures your oxygen levels and heart rate.

a nasal cannula to measure oxygen and airflow.

sensors to track the rise and fall of your chest.

Unlike an in-lab test, an at-home test doesn’t measure your sleep cycles or position or limb movements during the night.

Who is this test suitable for?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has published suggested guidelines for the use of ambulatory sleep studies in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). They recommend that home sleep studies be used for the following patients:

Patients with a high pre-test probability of moderate to severe OSA.

Patients with no significant co-morbid medical condition. Examples of co-morbid conditions include moderate-severe pulmonary diseases (cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, active asthma, COPD), congestive heart failure and neuromuscular diseases (ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease).

Patients suspected of having no co-morbid sleep disorder other than OSA.

To monitor response to non-CPAP treatments after the diagnosis has already been made.

In-lab sleep study/Level 1 study at home /Level 2 study at home(Polysomnography[PSG]) :

What does this test involve?

When we perform the PSG at home, the main difference between level 1 and level 2is that; Level 1 study is attended by a technician who will sit there for the entire night while you sleep. So it is the most superior quality testing possible and defined as the GOLD standard.

Level 1/2 sleep studies are used to diagnose a wide range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea, movement disorders and neurological problems such as narcolepsy. Typically you will have these various attachments on a number of places on your body:

Head – electrodes taped on to measure your brain activity.

Side of your eyes – these measure the movement of your eyes to help determine your sleep stage.

Chin – electrodes here assess the muscular tension in your jaw.

Nose – a nasal cannula rests two small tubes into your nostrils to measure breathing rate.

Chest – a strap here monitors your breathing effort. This part may also include a small box where other channels are connected to.

Finger – a small clamp usually on your index finger measures blood oxygen levels by shining infra-red light through your finger nail.

Legs – Electrodes to measure your position and limb movements.