What is a Sleep Test?

A sleep test, or sleep study, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate and diagnose various sleep disorders. Depending on the type of test, it may capture measurements such as breathing, heart rate, brain activity, oxygen levels, or muscle movements. Sleep tests can be performed at home or in a laboratory, with the data analyzed by medical professionals to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment.

Where are Sleep Studies Performed?

Sleep studies, essential for diagnosing sleep disorders, are conducted through two main methods: Polysomnography (PSG) and Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT), each offering unique advantages and settings.

1. Polysomnography (PSG):
2. Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT):

Both PSG and HSAT play crucial roles in diagnosing sleep disorders, with PSG offering comprehensive data in a controlled laboratory environment, while HSAT provides convenience and accessibility for certain conditions like OSA. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the suspected sleep disorder, the patient's medical history, and individual preferences. Regardless of the method, sleep studies are invaluable tools for understanding sleep patterns, identifying disorders, and guiding appropriate treatment interventions.

Why Consider a Home Sleep Apnea Test?

Home Sleep Apnea Tests (HSAT) are ideal for individuals who:

• Have sleep apnea symptoms
• Experience minimal medical complications
• Able to self apply equipment

HSAT's enable a quick diagnosis, particularly in areas with long wait times for sleep lab access or specialist consultations. This helps you begin treatment sooner, improving your sleep health and overall well-being.

What to Expect from a Home Sleep Test

Convenient and Accessible:

Conducted in the comfort of your own home, HSAT eliminates the need for a sleep lab visit and offers a quicker path to diagnosis, especially in areas with long wait times or limited access to sleep labs.

Simplified Testing:

HSAT's are a more straightforward and less intrusive option with less attachments compared to in-lab polysomnography (PSG), making it easier for patients to use.

Comprehensive Monitoring:

The portable device used during HSAT tracks key parameters such as:

• Peripheral artery tone (PAT)
• Sleep stages
• Breathing effort
• Snoring statistics
• Sleeping position
• Oxygen saturation
• Heart rate

Effective for Diagnosing OSA:

Primarily used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep.

Expanded Capabilities with WatchPAT One:

Unlike other HSATs, the WatchPAT One can also diagnose central sleep apnea (CSA), broadening its diagnostic scope.

Clear Follow-Up Steps:

After your test, a healthcare professional will analyze the data collected and reach out to discuss the results and guidance on treatment options.

Who should avoid a Home Sleep Test

A Home Sleep Apnea Test may not be right for you if you have significant health issues, such as:

• severe cardiovascular disease
• neuromuscular disorders
• Advanced COPD

Or

Some patients may have difficulty operating the equipment used for HSATs independently, such as:

• Individuals with cognitive impairments
• Physical limitations.

In such cases, assistance may be required or alternative testing be considered.

OR

HSATs may not be suitable for:

• infants and young children, due to their unique sleep patterns and the need for specialized monitoring and assessment in a clinical setting.

Are Home Sleep Tests Accurate?

Yes!

While HSATs may not offer the same extensive data as in-lab polysomnography (PSG), they are specifically designed to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves recurring pauses in breathing during sleep.

Our Home Sleep Apnea Test, the WatchPAT ONE is FDA and Health Canada approved.

Additionally, the WatchPAT ONE has proven effective in diagnosing OSA and CSA, even in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Do I Need a Referral to do a Sleep Study?

In Ontario, you do not need a physician referral or prescription to perform a Home Sleep Test.

However, a referral from a physician is necessary for a Polysomnography (PSG).

Best Home Sleep Apnea Test

The WatchPAT ONE is the best Home Sleep Test for several reason, including:

1. Convenient and Comfortable Testing at Home

• Receive a sleep apnea diagnosis in the privacy of your own home
• Eliminates the need to travel to a sleep lab
• Minimizes disruption to your daily routine

2. Minimal Equipment for Maximum Comfort

• WatchPAT One uses minimal equipment to accurately diagnose sleep apnea.
• Compact and user-friendly device is easy and comfortable to wear

3. Simple to Use, No Expertise Required

• Straightforward setup process, so you can perform the test on your own without needing assistance
• Minimal technical knowledge required
• Intuitive instructions provided

4. Clinically Validated for Accurate Results

• Able to accurately diagnose both obstructive and central sleep apnea when compared to PSG
• Able to accurately predict sleep stages
• Able to diagnose sleep apnea in the presence of COPD

5. Differentiates Between Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Ability to differentiate between central sleep apnea (CSA) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Allowing for tailored treatment plans

6. Innovative PAT Technology for Better Detection

Peripheral Arterial Tone (PAT) technology monitors regional blood flow and is used in conjunction with other sleep parameters to validate your overall sleep health, increasing the accuracy of the WatchPAT ONE.

How the WatchPAT One Works

WatchPAT One uses three points of contact (finger, chest and wrist) to capture seven measured values (Peripheral Artery Tone (PAT), Heart Rate, Oximetry, Actigraphy, Sleep Position, Snoring and Chest Motion). These values are then compared to derive four respiratory indices (AHI, RDI, ODI, cAHI). The results are compiled to provide an in-depth sleep report. 

• WatchPat uses True Sleep Time (TST) to calculate the Apnea-Hypopnea Index and prevent 20% of misdiagnosis’
• Up to a 95% correlation to an in-person polysomnography.How T-h

Common Home Sleep Test Values and their Meaning

Common values on your sleep report include:

TST:

• Total Sleep Time (TST)
• Used to accurately calculate AHI by not including time you are awake
• Prevents 20% of misdiagnosis

RDI:

• Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI)
• Number of events in which you were roused from sleep due to a respiratory event and thus, suffered sleep loss.
• These events include apneas and hypopneas, but also include less severe respiratory disturbances.

AHI:

• Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)
• Events per an hour in which you stopped breathing (Apnea) or significantly reduced airflow (Hypopnea) occurred resulting in reduced oxygen levels
• Includes both obstructive and central types of sleep apnea
• Metric used to diagnose sleep apnea severity
• A higher AHI indicates more sleep disturbance

AHIc:

• Apnea-Hypopnea-Index due to central events
• Main indicator of central sleep apnea (CSA)
• Central events or (CSA) is when the brain does not send signals to the respiratory muscles to breathe
• Reported as events per an hour

ODI:

• Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI)
• Prevalence of low oxygen in the bloodstream
• Reported as total events and per an hour

%CSR:

• Percentage of sleep as Chyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR)
• CSR is defined by periods of rapid and deep breathing, then followed by segments of shallow breathing and finally, an apneic period (no breathing)
• Indicate of central sleep issues and possible heart failure

PAT Signal:

• Peripheral Artery Tone (PAT) Signal
• Measures the arterial tone and the changes in regional blood flow
• In times of stress, like during sleep apnea events, decreased blood flow and increased artery tone occurs
• Aids in recognizing sleep stages like REM and verify further sleep parameters

Snoring Decibels:

• How loud you are snoring
• Recorded in decibles
• A normal conversation is approximately 40 decibels

Body Position:

• OSA is usually more severe in the supine position due to gravity

Pulse Rate (BPM):

• Recorded as beats per minute
• Will spike in times of stress, like sleep apnea events

SpO2:

• Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
• Above 92% is considered normal
• Will fluctuate during sleep apnea events

Sleep Stages:

• Reduced deep and REM sleep is associated with sleep apnea
• During sleep apnea events, your body wakes itself to increase airway tone and take a deep breath, reducing total deep sleep times

Click here to see a sample report.

Polysomnography (PSG) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders. This comprehensive test is ideal for individuals with broad sleep-related symptoms, complex medical histories, or those taking medications that may impact sleep.

PSG is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as:

• Narcolepsy
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
• Parasomnias (e.g., sleepwalking, night terrors)
• Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

What to expect during an in-lab Polysomnography (PSG) Sleep Study

Overnight Monitoring:

Polysomnography (PSG) is typically conducted overnight in a specialized sleep lab or hospital setting.

Trained Professionals:

The study is supervised by trained sleep technicians and medical professionals to ensure accurate results.

Comprehensive Monitoring:

During PSG, various devices are used to monitor key physiological parameters:

• Brain waves (EEG)
• Eye movements (EOG)
• Muscle activity (EMG)
• Heart rate and rhythm (ECG)
• Breathing patterns
• Oxygen levels

Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders:

In addition to diagnosing sleep apnea, PSG can help identify other sleep disorders such as:

• Narcolepsy
• Insomnia
• Sleep-related movement disorders
• Other complex sleep conditions