A home sleep test (HST) is a sleep study done at home that is used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Most HST devices are portable – about the size of a telephone handset. Home sleep testing is also called ‘Unattended Sleep Study’.

They usually measure the following biologic parameters:

• Nasal and Oral Airflow – by thin wire that is taped by the nose and mouth – some sensors look like an oxygen cannula.
• Respiratory Effort – by elastic belt bands that are placed across the chest and abdomen.
• Oxymeter Finger Probe – a small clip-like device that attaches to the finger tip and emits a red light that assists in the evaluation of oxygen levels in the blood while sleeping.

All-night sleep study

The quality of an individual’s sleep can be determined by an all-night sleep study. This laboratory test is conducted under the supervision of a physician who specializes in sleep health. The study helps the doctor diagnose and treat possible sleep issues, including neurologic disorders, a problematic amount of physical movement, and breathing disorders.

After initial consultation with the patient, a sleep physician may recommend this study (also called a polysomnogram), which is conducted in our sleep laboratory.