What is a Sleep Test?

Snoring is very common. So are the complaints of our partners when we snore too loudly. But what about when you wake up in the morning feeling groggy even after a full night’s rest? What if your partner mentions something more worrying than the volume of your snores and recounts moments when it sounds like you stop breathing altogether? If that’s the case, you might be wondering whether you have sleep apnea and how you can get tested for it. 

But what is a sleep test? Join us in exploring what is involved in a sleep apnea test, whether you can have a sleep study done at home and how effective they are for diagnosis. As a bonus, you’ll also learn the differences between an in-lab sleep test and an at-home one. 

What even is a sleep apnea test anyway? 

Also known as a sleep study, a sleep apnea test is a diagnostic assessment that medical professionals use to identify sleep disorders. The most common one is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It records data like breathing patterns, oxygen levels, your heart rate, the body movements you make and snoring while you sleep. With this information, sleep professionals can diagnose people with conditions and determine which treatment pathway is best for them. 

There are two main types of sleep studies:

• In-lab sleep studies (conducted overnight at a clinic or hospital)

• Home sleep tests (performed in the comfort of your own bed)

While you get the benefits of being monitored carefully by trained professionals when undergoing an in-lab test, home sleep tests are more accessible in various ways. For regional patients, those with mobility or even schedule issues, the flexibility of an at-home sleep apnea test kit means they can speed-track obtaining the right diagnosis and the care they need. Along the same lines, patients who find it particularly difficult to fall asleep at a clinic may also find it helpful to have their sleep study done at home. 

Why is sleep testing important?

OSA affects nearly 1 in 4 Australian men and 1 in 10 women, and many of these potential patients go undiagnosed. Taking some time to have a quick sleep apnea check can go a long way in preserving your long-term health. 

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to:

• Daytime fatigue and brain fog

• Irritability 

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents

By undergoing a proper sleep apnea checker like an in-lab or at-home test, you’ll gain the clarity you need to begin a treatment plan — if you need one! That can include CPAP therapy, changing your habits and other clinical recommendations.

What is involved in a sleep apnea test? 

Whether you’re in a clinic or doing your sleep apnea testing at home, the goal is the same: gather detailed information about your sleep. This often involves attaching sensors to certain areas of your body, like your chest or finger, to measure various metrics. These sensors can track your: 

• Breathing and airflow

• Oxygen saturation

• Heart rate

• Respiratory effort

• Sleep position

• Snoring intensity

Originally, this kind of test was performed in a hospital or sleep lab setting. Thanks to advances in portable monitoring technology, it’s now possible to have a sleep study done at home with comparable accuracy in most cases, usually for moderate to severe sleep apnea sufferers. 

How can a sleep apnea test be done at home? 

For many, the idea of staying overnight in a clinic can be stressful, inconvenient or downright inaccessible. With an at-home sleep apnea test kit, you can get the insights you need without leaving your bedroom. Not only can a sleep apnea test be done at home, but it’s also becoming one of the first-line diagnostic tools in Australia for suspected OSA. 

An at-home sleep test often has sensors and software that sync to your phone so you can record the findings and discuss them with a healthcare professional. The Good Sleep Test at NSW CPAP, for example, has a single finger and wrist monitor that are connected by a short wire. Without the messiness of multiple sensors and potentially crossed wires, your sleep is less likely to be disrupted by discomfort. Using the companion app, you can also review your Sleep Report results and discuss them with your doctor to help fast-track your diagnosis and ensure you receive the treatment you need. 

For most patients, especially those with clear symptoms, sleep apnea testing at home offers a more comfortable, cost-effective, and accessible path to diagnosis.

Who should get a sleep apnea check? 

If you’re not sure whether to book a full study just yet, starting with a sleep apnea checker is a smart move. This is typically an online or preliminary screening tool that helps determine your risk level based on your symptoms and medical history..  

Here are some common signs it might be time for a sleep apnea check:

• Loud, chronic snoring

• Waking up gasping or choking

• Feeling tired despite sleeping through the night

• Difficulty concentrating during the day

• Morning headaches

• Mood changes or irritability

If several of these sound familiar, it’s worth taking our online ESS Questionnaire and speaking to a sleep professional about arranging a full sleep study done at home or in-clinic. 

What happens after the test? 

However your test was conducted, the data is reviewed by a qualified physician. If a diagnosis of sleep apnea is confirmed, you’ll be guided through your available treatment options. 

For many patients, CPAP therapy is the gold standard. This involves using a machine that delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to keep your airways open throughout the night. Our team at NSW CPAP can help with setup, ongoing support, and selecting the best device for your needs.

Choose NSW CPAP for your sleep test

Whether you’re still uncertain if you tick all the boxes, are ready to take the first step of your sleep apnea journey or are even a concerned partner doing some investigating, NSW CPAP is here to help guide you (or your better half) towards a restful night’s sleep. 

Forget the nightmare of multiple wires in an uncomfortable and unfamiliar setting, and enjoy the privacy and accuracy of an at-home sleep test instead. Take back control of your restless nights and get in touch with our friendly team today.