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3-Night At-Home Sleep Apnea Study With Neurologist Review in Los Angeles
Published: September 10, 2024
Author: Achilles Ntranos MD
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 Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, we make diagnosing sleep apnea easier than ever with our premium home sleep study. Get evaluated in your own bed without the need to spend the night at a sleep center.
Book your sleep study evaluation today
What are the risks of untreated sleep apnea?
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80% of moderate and severe cases going undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of dementia, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and motor vehicle accidents.
Home Sleep Study for Sleep Apnea in Los Angeles
Our home sleep study (also known as HSAT) is a portable diagnostic test that measures your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and brain waves to detect obstructive sleep apnea. Instead of traveling to a sleep lab, you'll receive a small monitoring device and gather essential data in the comfort of your own home.
Why doing your sleep study at home matters?
Without the stress of a clinical setting, you're more likely to sleep normally. This provides more accurate results that can guide your next steps toward better and more restful sleep.
What Makes Our Sleep Apnea Test Different
What makes our home sleep study different is the combination of comfort, depth, and expert oversight. You’ll complete a 3-night study in your own bed (not a lab), giving us a much more accurate picture than a single-night test. Our advanced devices include EEG brain-wave monitoring, which many other home tests don’t, allowing for a more precise evaluation of your sleep time and final apnea score. Every study is then personally reviewed by a board-certified neurologist, so you receive a clear diagnosis and tailored treatment plan—usually within 5–7 business days.
| Feature | Our Home Sleep Study | Typical Home Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 nights | 1 night |
| EEG Brain Wave Monitoring | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included |
| Results Reviewed By | Board-certified neurologist | Technician |
| Turnaround Time | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 months |
Why is EEG monitoring important during a home sleep study?
EEG brain wave monitoring is what tells us how much time you were actually asleep, not just lying in bed. Most sleep apnea metrics, like the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), are calculated as the number of breathing events divided by hours of true sleep.
Without EEG, many home tests have to estimate sleep based on movement or breathing patterns, which can overestimate sleep time (for example, counting quiet wakefulness as “sleep”). If the denominator (total sleep time) is wrong, the final apnea index can be underestimated, and mild or moderate sleep apnea may be missed.
By recording your brain waves, EEG lets us accurately define when you’re asleep and in which stage, so your results—and treatment decisions—are based on precise, reliable data.
Not all home sleep studies are equal
Many services use basic devices that miss critical data. Our advanced devices include brain wave monitoring to accurately determine actual sleep time, a feature most home tests lack.
What We Measure in a Home Sleep Study
Our comprehensive analysis captures all the key indicators needed for accurate sleep apnea diagnosis:
- Airflow & Breathing Effort: Detects interruptions and how hard your body works to breathe
- Blood Oxygen Levels: Identifies drops that indicate apnea events
- Heart Rate: Tracks cardiovascular response throughout the night
- Sleep Position: Reveals if sleeping position affects your breathing
- EEG (Brain Waves): Determines actual sleep time, which is critical for accurate results.
Sleep Apnea Testing at Home: What to Expect
1. Initial Consultation
Book 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.
Common symptoms that warrant a sleep study:
- Loud snoring or gasping during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or chronic fatigue
- Morning headaches and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive symptoms and memory problems
Learn more about sleep apnea neurological symptoms and how they affect your brain.
2. Equipment Setup
We'll provide a compact, user-friendly device with clear guidance on how to place:
- Nasal cannula to measure airflow
- Chest belt to track breathing effort
- Fingertip pulse oximeter for oxygen and heart rate
- Lightweight electrodes for brain waves
3. Three-Night Study at Home
Sleep on your usual schedule in your own bed. The device works silently, capturing data across three nights to account for natural variations in your sleep patterns.
Tips for accurate results: Maintain your regular schedule, avoid naps on test days, and limit caffeine and alcohol.
4. Equipment Return
Simply mail the device back using our flexible return options.
5. Results & Treatment Plan
Your data is reviewed by sleep experts, looking for apneas, hypopneas, oxygen desaturation, and sleep position influences. Dr. Ntranos will personally review your results and provide a clear explanation and detailed treatment recommendations within 1-2 weeks.
Important
Home sleep studies are best suited for individuals with suspected moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. If you have complex medical conditions, an in-lab study might be more appropriate—we can arrange this if needed.
Treatment Options After Diagnosis
If your study indicates sleep apnea, we offer personalized treatment plans:
- CPAP Therapy: The most common and effective treatment—we coordinate with top equipment providers
- Oral Appliances: Custom-fitted devices that reposition your jaw to maintain an open airway
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, sleep positioning, and dietary guidance that supports brain and sleep health
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous care through in-office or telehealth neurology follow-ups to ensure your treatment remains effective
After your diagnosis, you may also benefit from a comprehensive neurological evaluation to assess any related cognitive or neurological symptoms.
Insurance & Pricing
We operate on a fee-for-service model, providing:
- Detailed superbills for insurance reimbursement
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
- Flexible payment options
- Direct access to your neurologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a home sleep study as accurate as an in-lab study?
For diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, yes. Our 3-night study with EEG monitoring provides comprehensive data comparable to in-lab studies for most patients.
How long does the entire process for a home sleep study take?
The test spans three nights. From initial consultation to receiving results, the process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Can I be diagnosed and treated for sleep apnea without visiting a sleep lab?
Absolutely. You can get a home sleep study and if it indicates sleep apnea, Dr. Ntranos will develop a personalized treatment plan—you can go from diagnosis to treatment without ever needing a sleep lab.
Will my insurance cover a home sleep study?
Most plans cover home sleep studies when medically necessary. You'll receive a superbill to submit for reimbursement.
Ready to Sleep Better?
If you're experiencing symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or morning headaches, don't wait to get evaluated.
Request a Home Sleep Study
Book an appointment with our Beverly Hills clinic. Our neurologist will evaluate your symptoms and determine the best next steps.
About the Author
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
Board-Certified Neurologist
Achilles Neurology Clinic
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist and MS specialist known for his thorough evaluations and compassionate approach. Originally from Greece, he trained at Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital before founding Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered neurological care. He specializes in MS, autoimmune neurology, neuropathy, headaches, and other neurological disorders, blending research-driven insights with personalized treatment plans.