Do you know how long your home sleep test will take? When you undergo any type of test, this is one of the most important things you need to find out. It is important to learn as much information as you can about any type of test you plan to take.

In the instance of a home sleep test and an in-lab test, time can vary. Knowing more about the duration of each in terms of how long it will take to perform it and the length of time it will take to receive the results will help you decide between the two. Time for a closer look.

 

Duration of an in-Lab Test and Home Sleep Test

• In-Lab Test

You will need to stay overnight at the lab and wait around two to three months to receive the results. The reason the waiting time is so long is because of the sheer amount of information it collects. An in-lab test does not just test for sleep apnea, but for other sleep disorders as well. Therefore, it will take time for them to analyze your results and give you a diagnosis.

• Home Sleep Test

You will take a home sleep test in the comfort of your home and it will just take one day for the machine to monitor and record your breathing pattern in your sleep. You will get the results of your test within days.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, going to the doctor for treatment will be the next step. A board-certified sleep physician will interpret the results of your test and hand over to a referring physician and to the DME provider of your choice.

 

Start Treatment Immediately

Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, start treatment as soon as possible. If sleep apnea goes untreated, it can cause a large variety of medical problems such as daytime fatigue, high blood pressure or heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and complications with surgery and medications. If you have a sleep partner, it may cause them to lose sleep and may result in them sleeping in another room to get a good night’s sleep.

 

What is the Most Chosen Option? — In-Lab or Home Sleep Study?

 

The option you choose depends on several factors. Choose an in-lab test if sleeping in another location than your own does not bother you and you are able to sleep in an unfamiliar setting. An in-lab may be an option for you if money is not an issue because it tends to be most costly than a home sleep test and if you want the test to find out if you have other sleep disorders.

If you want a cost-effective option, one that provides you with quick results, and is taken within the comfort of your home, go with a home sleep test. If you only want to test for sleep apnea, choose this option over the other one.

If you have decided to go with a home sleep study, contact us to schedule your test. We will ship the device to you with detailed and easy to understand instructions on how to set it up, including how to return it to us for evaluation.