Sleep study tests, also known as polysomnography, are diagnostic procedures used to monitor and evaluate sleep disorders. These tests can be conducted in a specialized sleep lab or at home using portable equipment.
During a sleep study, various physiological activities are recorded, such as brain waves, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and body movements, to help identify conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.
Types of Home Sleep Study
Home sleep studies are simplified versions of clinical sleep tests, allowing individuals to monitor their sleep patterns in the comfort of their own home. These tests are commonly categorized as Level 2 and Level 3 sleep studies, with differences in the number of parameters measured and the extent of data collected.
Which One to Choose?
Level 2 Sleep Study
Recommended if a more comprehensive evaluation is required, especially for conditions like REM sleep behaviour disorder, complex sleep apnea, or severe insomnia.
Level 3 Sleep Study
Recommended for those who suspect they may have obstructive sleep apnea and need a simpler, cost-effective home test.