Sleep Better, Live Better: How Home Sleep Testing Improves Your Health

Are you struggling to stay awake during the day, even after what should have been a full night’s rest? Have friends or family mentioned that you snore loudly or gasp for air while sleeping? These could be warning signs of sleep apnea, a common but often overlooked sleep disorder that can seriously impact your health and quality of life.

At Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, we make diagnosing sleep apnea easier, more comfortable, and more convenient than ever. With our home sleep study (also known as a home sleep apnea test, or HSAT), you can now be evaluated right in your own bed—no need to spend the night at a sleep center. In just one appointment, you’ll take the first step toward better sleep, improved energy, and peace of mind.

What is a Home Sleep Study?

A home sleep study is a portable, at-home diagnostic test that measures various aspects of your sleep. By assessing your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain waves, this test can detect the presence of obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders. Instead of traveling to a lab, you’ll receive a small monitoring device and easy-to-follow instructions so you can gather essential data in the comfort of your own home.

Why Choose a Home Sleep Study from the Achilles Neurology Clinic?

• Unmatched Convenience: Skip overnight stays at unfamiliar facilities. Sleep on your own schedule, in your own bed.
• Cost-Effective: Home studies often cost less than traditional lab-based tests.
• Comfort & Accuracy: Your natural sleep environment can lead to more authentic results.
• Advanced Technology: Our devices are state-of-the-art, providing the highest level of detail, including EEG data, for accurate diagnosis.
• 3-Night Study: To ensure the most accurate results, we offer a 3-night study to capture your sleep patterns and breathing over multiple nights.
• Expert Guidance: Board-certified neurologists specializing in sleep disorders will personally review your results and recommend tailored solutions.
• Fast Results: Get your diagnosis and treatment plan quickly, so you can start sleeping better right away.

What Does a Home Sleep Study Measure?

Our home sleep apnea tests focus on the key indicators needed to diagnose sleep apnea:

• Airflow: Measures interruptions in your breathing.
• Breathing Effort: Detects how hard your body works to breathe while sleeping.
• Blood Oxygen Levels: Identifies drops in oxygen saturation that can indicate apnea events.
• Heart Rate: Tracks changes in your pulse throughout the night.
• Sleep Position & Movement: Reveals whether sleeping on your back, side, or stomach affects your breathing.
• EEG (Brain Waves): Captures brain activity to determine sleep stages and cycles.

Could It Be Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans, and a staggering majority go undiagnosed. Symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Frequent awakenings or gasping for air
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating
• Morning headaches and irritability

If these sound familiar, it’s time to take action. Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Home Sleep Study

1. Consultation

Start by booking an appointment with our neurologist, Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD. He’ll evaluate your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and determine if a home sleep test is right for you.

2. Equipment Setup

We’ll provide a compact, user-friendly device. Simply follow the instructions to place sensors:

• A small nasal cannula to measure airflow
• A belt around the chest to track breathing effort
• A fingertip pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate
• Lightweight electrodes on your scalp or chest to record brain waves and sleep position

3. Enjoy a Normal Night’s Sleep, 3 Days in a Row

Go to bed at your usual time and sleep as you normally would. The device works silently in the background, capturing data as you rest.

We offer a 3-night study to ensure accurate results. This allows us to gather enough data to evaluate your sleep patterns and breathing throughout the night.

4. Return the Equipment

After one night, remove the sensors and return the device. Our team will handle the rest.

5. Professional Analysis & Results

Dr. Ntranos and our sleep specialists will analyze your data for signs of sleep apnea. You’ll receive a clear explanation of your results and personalized recommendations.

They'll look for signs of sleep apnea, such as:

• Apneas: Complete pauses in breathing
• Hypopneas: Partial obstructions in breathing
• Oxygen desaturation: Drops in blood oxygen levels

Preparing for Your Home Sleep Study

To ensure the most accurate results, follow these tips:

1. Maintain your regular sleep schedule
2. Avoid naps on the day of the test
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption
4. Follow your usual bedtime routine
5. Make sure your sleeping area is quiet and comfortable

Effective Treatments for Sleep Apnea

If your home sleep study indicates that you have sleep apnea, don't worry – there are several effective treatment options available:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): The most common treatment, involving a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open.
2. Oral appliances: Custom-fitted devices that reposition your jaw to maintain an open airway.
3. Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol before bed, and sleeping on your side can help manage mild cases.
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw.

Take Control of Your Sleep and Your Life

Quality sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a cornerstone of good health. Don’t let sleep apnea rob you of energy, productivity, or enjoyment. A home sleep study at Achilles Neurology Clinic makes it easier than ever to get the answers you need and the treatment you deserve.

If you're experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches or gasping for air during sleep, don't hesitate to speak with our neurologist about a home sleep study.

Are you ready to take the first step toward restful nights and brighter days?