If you think that you have sleep apnea, then you should undergo a test that is really simple and involves breathing, pulse, oxygen levels, and movement recording. You can choose between two tests: at home or an in-center sleep test. The results will show whether or not you have sleep apnea and its type: mild, moderate, or severe.

To help you choose the type of test, we’ve come up with the following comparison of at-home vs. in-center sleep test:

At-Home Sleep Apnea Test

This is for sure a more comfortable option since it takes place at the convenience of your home. A machine will record your sleeping patterns and you’ll be given detailed instructions about how to use the sleep equipment you’re given. Plus, to get correct results, you should avoid naps and caffeine.

Still, to be a candidate for an at-home test you must have good overall health and not suffer from some serious conditions including:

Heart Disease

Since obstructive sleep apnea is closely connected to heart disease, it can cause inconsistency in the results of an at-home sleep test due to the fact that it affects the respiratory system.

Neuromuscular Disease

This disease affects the entire neuromuscular system. And, because the muscles in the throat affect obstructive sleep apnea you shouldn’t do the test at home.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Even though COPD and sleep apnea aren’t directly linked, they both affect sleep. So, you shouldn’t perform a sleep test at home because it would monitor breathing, not sleep.

Degenerative Neurological Conditions

These conditions include Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease, and people who suffer from some of them should do the test in-center since it is advisable to have a care team around to assist with what’s needed.

Obesity  

Statistics show that obese people have higher risks of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. At obese sleep apnea sufferers, there’s more that should be recorded and monitored apart breathing.

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS)

OHS is a breathing condition that impacts obese people resulting in excess carbon dioxide and lack of oxygen in their blood. As a result, the body cannot function properly.

In-Center Sleep Apnea Test

The second option, an in-center sleep test, is usually considered the best since it provides robust information. This type of test analyzes so much more beyond breathing. For instance, an in-center sleep apnea test can record seizures or periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS).

Plus, if you choose to have the test done in a sleep center you are able to get fixed pressure CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in case the doctor prescribes the therapy after the test results. On the contrary, an automatic CPAP is the only option for those who do the test at home.

And, similar to an at-home sleep test, you should follow your normal bedtime routine, have dinner as typical, take medications if you do so, etc. Just try to make everything like you usually do before going to bed.

Also worth mentioning, when undergoing an in-center sleep test you should sleep for seven hours, however even if you sleep less than that, the test can provide meaningful information.

The bottom line, regardless of the test you choose, at home or in-center sleep test, once your doctor gets the results he/she will be able to determine whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea and provide treatment recommendations like a mouthpiece, CPAP therapy, or surgery.