Is there a home test for sleep apnea? Testing in a clinic?

If you meant something to help fall asleep in the clinic, then they will probably prescribe a small dose of medication to help. I always ask for that. I've had 10 studies over a 17-year period and they always let me take a sleeping pill (most recently Zolpidem 5mg x 2).

When I'm put to sleep for same day surgeries I've had , they scored me a 3 one time and a 4 next time as far as sleep apnea but was only asleep 30 min, well 1 time a hour that's when I got the score 4

Just seems odd that 3 or 4 for you they would use a mask and 31 for me they wouldn't. I'd think it would not be that bad to have just 3 or 4 an hour which is 1 every 15 minutes. With me having 31, that's almost 8 every 15 minutes. I couldn't even figure somebody that had 80 or 100. It seems almost impossible. Seems like they would never get to sleep. 😂

I have had two sleep studies and I tolerated them well. The first one I had a double bed and had no problems falling asleep. They did put a mask on to see if my breathing improved. The second one I was in a twin bed and never fully fell asleep I can't sleep unless my arm is on the bed. I would recommend asking for a double bed if you need your arm supported. I am a side sleeper. The in center test is more accurate according to my sleep specialist. I would recommend the center to get more accurate readings good luck to you.

Well, that's where the medicare fraud potential plays in. These doctors are also compensated somehow. I mean, those sleep studies aren't cheap and the sleep apnea machines are around $1000. They just bill and get paid by Medicare. I thought about it once and said to myself "I'm having dreams at night so I'm not waking that much". There are nights I might wake early but it's from these internal vibrations, which is why I had the sleep study to begin with, to see if it would pick up anything, it didn't.

There is often something else, a problem like uncontrolled leg movements, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), or mask leaks, that will keep you from moving through the various stages of sleep.

If you haven't already done so, I would like to suggest something to you: over on apneaboard.com, you will find a section titled 'OSCAR' at the black marquee atop the page. That is a free software generated by some of the folks at apneaboard (which is a helping site run by volunteers). It can be used to read the data left on your machine's SD card each night. Once you open OSCAR, register, and download your data, you'll have a handy and informative compilation of statistics about your use of the machine, how long, what quality, how many flow limitations, how many other events, etc. But, you'll also have your own private proof of 'compliance' if that should ever be challenged.

Some polysomnography labs do the titration of the patient during the second half of a single night. This assumes that the patient can sleep at all...some cannot due to anxiety and strangeness. I managed about six hours. The idea is to hook you up, let you sleep for three hours or less, and then awaken you and put on the CPAP. For the rest of the night, the RT will monitor, including video to check for physical activity, and also alter the machine's settings until your AHI (apnea/hypopnea index) runs less than 5 events per hour. If you get below that limit, the medical community and the insurers all agree that you are 'treated'.

Hi @debra54 -- I did the home test because I was afraid I couldn't fall asleep in a clinic, but I had trouble at home too with the head gear I had to wear. It made it hard to sleep on my side and that's the only way I can go to sleep. I kind of stayed in a twilight sleep and not a deep sleep. I have insomnia too. Also, the home study gives less data than the clinic study.

I would recommend trying the clinic study first. When my mother did the clinic study she was very nervous about sleeping alone in the clinic (she was a worrier) so they allowed me to sit in the recliner in her room all night and she fell asleep right away feeling safe. If you have someone that will do that for you, it might be worth trying. Best of luck!

Yes. There is a home test for sleep apnea. Find a sleep study doctor/clinic in your area and ask them. I live in New Jersey and I took one.

I was wondering the same. My sleeping schedule is a mess, most nights I don’t go to bed until 4-5AM. I also have PTSD. If you want me to fall asleep in a strange bed with cameras on me….um it’s not happening!

My daughter thought she couldn't do it cuz of her anxiety but she was able to do it. That's encouraged me,so I'll have one in the next couple of weeks. I guess finding the right place helps cuz the staff there was caring and supportive.