According to various studies, an estimated 40 lakh people in India are affected by Sleep apnea and 80% of these have moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and go undiagnosed. Loud snoring, headaches, and feeling weary during the day are all signs that you may be suffering from sleep apnea. At Home vs Lab Sleep is the best method to find out for sure. However, there is a lot of confusion about the difference between an at-home sleep study and a sleep study in a lab.

How to get diagnosed with Sleep Apnea?

If you discuss your sleep health with your doctor or healthcare provider, it’s likely that they may recommend or prescribe an overnight sleep study to better analyze your sleep quality. The 2 types of sleep study are, An in-lab sleep study, often known as polysomnography (PSG), or a home sleep study  (HST).

Although a lab sleep study is far more comprehensive than a home sleep study, due to the high prevalence of undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in people without other health problems, an at-home sleep test is usually sufficient for the majority of people who suspect they may have the condition.

Traditional polysomnography tests have been the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea since the late 1980s and early 1990s, but with technological developments, home sleep apnea testing is becoming more common and an extremely viable way to diagnose OSA.

At Home vs Lab Sleep: How Does it Work?

In a home sleep apnea test, a simple breathing monitor detects your breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing effort.

Your physician can assist you in selecting a tiny, light, and self-administered home sleep study device. However, not all tests are created equal, and while some require less equipment than others, you should expect to obtain the following: At Home vs Lab Sleep

• Soft electrodes that adhere to your skin and are usually worn on the chest.
• A little pulse oximeter that can be worn on one’s finger.
• A chest band that tracks sleeping postures and measures breath volume and frequency.
• A nasal cannula is used to monitor airflow. A cannula contains two prongs that go into the nostrils and are secured by wrapping over the ears, similar to an oxygen mask.

All of these sensors are connected to a small data-recording device roughly the size of a smartphone. When the night is through, you return the machine to the sleep lab for analysis, and the results are emailed to your provider so you may talk about your findings, diagnosis, and treatment choices

Lab Sleep Study: How does it work?

It includes spending the night in either a hospital’s sleep laboratory or an outpatient sleep clinic. Electrodes linked to your head and body track your brain waves, respiration, and movement as you sleep. A technician uses a hidden camera to keep an eye on you as you sleep.

Polysomnography records the following while the patient is sleeping:

• Breathing cycle (respiration)
• Heart rate
• Level of oxygen in the blood
• Brain waves
• Muscle tone
• Leg Movements
• Eye movements

The patient’s body fluctuates between two phases during a polysomnography exam, known as rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) (NREM).

An individual with no sleep disorders will shift from non-REM to REM every 2 hours, for a total of 4 to 6 sleep cycles per night. The sleep specialist carefully monitors the patient’s body reactions and sleep cycles, detecting any abnormalities in the sleep pattern.

Home Sleep Study and Lab Sleep Study costs

Home sleep study cost

The cost of a sleep study exam in India varies from Rs 8000 to Rs 20000. The type of sleep research and the amenities offered determine the cost.

Due to the requirement for a quiet environment and night-time sleep, researchers conduct the majority of sleep studies at home. Diagnostic centers teach their specialists how to conduct the exam at home with all of the necessary sleep study equipment.

Lab Sleep Study cost

Which Sleep Test is better for you?

Healthcare professionals should only perform an in-lab sleep study when absolutely necessary and for individuals who require it. Certain agencies, such as the Department of Transportation, mandate that specific workers (like commercial truck drivers) undergo a sleep apnea examination.

If you or your health care practitioner suspect you are at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and you have no prior or underlying health issues. A sleep study at home is most likely a good fit for you.

You’ll need to undergo a sleep study in a lab if you have a history of substantial heart or lung disease, a neuromuscular condition like ALS or MS, stroke, persistent opioid use, or significant pre-existing sleep disorders.

Conclusion

Each form of sleep study has advantages and disadvantages, so perhaps you now have a better idea of which one would be best for you. While all tests are not created equal, testing offers significant advantages – period.

If someone has told you that you snore loudly, feel tired during the day, or never seem to wake up feeling refreshed, take action now. Speak to your healthcare physician or schedule a consultation with our telemedicine partner to learn about your options for home sleep apnea testing!

Disclaimer

The information provided is for general knowledge only. Consult your doctor for personalized advice and treatment. Medikart HealthCare is not liable for any actions taken based on this info.