Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects almost 22 million people in the United States. An effective way to find out if you suffer from sleep apnea is to take a home sleep test. A home sleep study test collects data to determine if a person has sleep apnea.

You can either opt for a sleep test in your home or at a lab. Both offer various advantages to the person taking the sleep test. However, most people may be reluctant to go with a laboratory-based sleep test, as they have to sleep in an unfamiliar environment for the night.

A home sleep test eliminates the discomfort and allows people to get a good night’s sleep. If you plan to go with a sleep apnea test in your home, ensure its success and accuracy by following these tips:

1. Honesty is the Best Policy

Be honest with your home sleep test provider about other medical conditions you have even if they are minor. Let them about all the medications you take as well, including herbal supplements. Sometimes, a certain medical condition can affect the accuracy of your sleep apnea test at home.

2. Discuss Your Sleep Behaviors with Your Partner

If you share a room with your partner or a roommate and plan to get a sleep test at home, discuss your sleep behaviors with them. Let your home sleep test provider know all the different behaviors you exhibit in your sleep.

You may have more than one sleep disorder or may not even have sleep apnea. If you feel you have more than one sleep disorder or a different diagnosis altogether, getting a sleep test at home may not be right option for you.

3. Follow All Instructions to the Tee

When you receive the sleep test at home, you will receive a set of instructions to set it up. If you are unable to understand some part of the instructions, call your sleep test provider. Also, double check to ensure you have set it up correctly.

4. Ask Someone for Help

If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to come over to place the sensors on you correctly. Ask them to stay over and start the device once you have slept. They can sleep in the same room as you to periodically check on you to ensure the device is working properly.

5. Do Not Use Gels, Body Sprays, or Hairsprays Prior to the Test

Gels, body sprays, and hairsprays can interfere with the sensors by eroding it. When you receive your sleep test, use it the next day if you have used a gel, body spray, or hairspray prior to receiving it in the mail.

6. Avoid Drinking Caffeine or Alcohol Near Bedtime

Caffeine and alcohol can interrupt your sleep patterns. The day you plan to take the sleep test; avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol.

7. Sleep at Your Regular Time

Do not take a home sleep test if you have a major event planned that day or you plan to sleep late at night. Plan your sleep test at home on the day you plan to sleep at your regular bedtime.

With these tips in mind, how about scheduling a home sleep test with us. Contact us today to schedule your test.