At Home Sleep Study in Independence MO
Sleep Studies
Although at-home testing may not be suitable for everyone (such as patients with other health concerns), when an apnea test case is strongly suspected, it can be the preferable choice for diagnosing the condition. The in-hospital study may provide a more comprehensive form of testing, such as reviewing brain waves and sleep behavior, but is often uncomfortable and invasive for patients, resulting in many opting for at home sleep study apnea testing. Patients may also face challenges with long wait lists or additional expenses for in-hospital testing, adding to the obstacles of receiving a diagnosis.
What is the WatchPat one apnea test?
Our clinic uses the efficient WatchPat, a disposable home sleep apnea testing device (HSAT) that removes the issues many patients face with in-clinic apnea assessments. This testing equipment is worn similarly to an everyday watch, allowing patients to record their sleep behavior under familiar sleeping conditions. Fitted with built-in sensors, the device can measure and calculate a patient’s apnea-hypopnea index (the average number of apnea episodes during each hour of sleep) by measuring various physiological parameters overnight. This reliable testing method provides a 98% success rate and an 89% agreement rate when compared with polysomnography results, offering a discreet and comfortable testing solution for our patients.
Here is the comprehensive list of data the Watchpat can collect:
- Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI)
- Central AHI
- Apnea/Hypopnea per hour
- Apnea Episodes through the night
- Snoring and Body Position
- Oxygen & Heart Rate
- Sleep Stages Trending & Graphic Display
- Body Position Statistics and Graphic Display
- Snoring Statistics
- Respiratory Indices Chart
- AHI Severity Scale
- True Sleep Time
Sleep Study At Home: Process For Testing With A Sleep Watch
Step 1: Before Your Home Sleep Study
After we have sent the WatchPat to your home, we recommend performing a crash test on your environment the night before your sleep study, pinpointing any disturbances or tech issues that may disrupt you during the testing period. This can also help you to resolve any concerns or raise questions to our clinical team before the test begins, allowing the actual sleep study to run smoothly and give you the most accurate results.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team:
If you’re a caregiver, ensure you have arrangements set up to allow for an undisturbed night of rest. Treat the night before as a testing phase to get ready for the actual study the following night. Make a note of any questions you have regarding the test to follow up with the clinic before your overnight sleep study begins.
Step 2: The Day of Your Home Sleep Test
The day has come for your sleep study! Although we aim to create a familiar environment for patients undergoing sleep testing (which is one of the Watchpat test device’s main benefits), you can do a few things to ensure the data is adequate for study records in our investigations. Avoiding common lifestyle choices that disrupt sleep patterns, such as caffeine, napping, or late meals.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team:
You should try to avoid caffeine entirely on the day of your sleep study. Discuss medications you can take before your test with your doctor, as some may disrupt sleep or create sedating effects that may affect results. Avoid eating too late or early; late meals may result in uncomfortable bloating, whereas eating too early can leave you feeling hungry again by bedtime. No napping! This can throw off your body’s rhythm and natural sleep pattern. Do not drink alcohol on the day of your sleep test.
Step 3: The Night of Your Home Sleep Study
Although we encourage patients to stick to their normal bedtime routine and environment as much as possible, it can be beneficial for preparation to relax the night of your test, ensuring you can properly unwind and be ready to sleep. Aim to go to bed around your usual sleep time and start your day around the same time, encouraging your body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. This may mean removing any alarm clocks from the bedroom and other disturbances that can disrupt your study, allowing 3 hours of sleep as a minimum to achieve accurate results.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team:
Ensure you have plenty of time to fit the device before bed Stick to a normal bedtime routine and remove stimulating activities, such as stress, working late, TV, or game consoles. Remove disturbances from the bedroom, such as alarm clocks or snoring partners!
Step 4: During The Night Of Your Sleep Test
Patients often worry about the outcome of the test if they are woken during the night. Disturbances can happen regardless of any planned medical studies, but you should always aim to continue with the test, keeping the device on and recording until the morning. Once completed, the WatchPat can then be shut down and disposed of. There is also the option to send in the device for recycling if you desire.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team:
Always keep the device on, even if you wake up during the night. Turn off the device in the morning only when the test is complete. Dispose of the device using a waste bin or send it to the Sleep Matters team for recycling.
Step 5: Preparing For Your Results
Once your home test is complete, the WatchPat will send collected data via cloud-based technology to our clinic for review, where we can formally diagnose a sleep disorder if possible. This can be an overwhelming time for many patients, which is why we provide a post-test virtual visit with the board-certified sleep physicians to discuss results clearly and consider what treatment options are best for you. Once a sleep care plan has been agreed upon, we will facilitate your treatment from our Missouri-based clinic.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team:
Confirm your post-test virtual visit. Make a note of any questions you may have for our Sleep Matters team.
How to wear the WatchPat at night?
One of the main benefits of the WatchPat home sleep test device is the simple to use-and non-invasive design of the equipment. Once the night of your sleep study arrives, simply prepare for bed as you normally do, attach the equipment required, and hit the pillow! Although some devices may differ from others, the general guidance below may be applicable for patients using the WatchPat for home testing of apnea.
Strapping the Wrist Device
Like an everyday watch, the strap of the device should be attached to your wrist. We recommend wearing this on your non-dominant arm, offering a snug and comfortable fit. Once fitted, the device should not cause any pain or discomfort to your wrist. Straps can be adjusted for the correct sizing if the device is too tight or loose.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team
Some patients find it helpful to fit the device with the WatchPat’ face’ flat on a surface and fasten the straps from there!
How to wear the chest strap
Start with threading the wire of the sensors through the sleeve or neck opening of your shirt, and peel back the white paper at the base of the sensor to expose the sticker. Here you can easily attach the sensor to your chest, which sits comfortably in the center of your upper chest bone or below the front of the neck.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team
You may need to wear a short-sleeved or low-neck-line nightshirt for the chest sensor to allow for easy access when fitting.
Attach the finger probe
The probe of the device attaches to your index finger. Although this should fit comfortably, you should be able to feel the end of the probe when fitted correctly at the tip of your finger.
Recommendations from the Sleep Matters team
Ensure the part of the tab marked TOP is positioned above your nail when fitting, and follow the guidelines sent with the device to allow a secure fit.
The Sleep Matters Home Sleep Apnea Test in Independence MO
The Sleep Matters team is dedicated to offering accessible treatments and testing for sleep apnea, providing convenient testing methods to support more people in getting the diagnosis and help they deserve. If you’re concerned that you may have sleep apnea symptoms, it’s time to take the first step towards more restful sleep and better health! Contact our office today to schedule a sleep apnea testing appointment and start sleeping soundly.