In-Lab vs. Home Sleep Study: Which Is Right for You?

Both tests are valid tools for finding sleep apnea. An in-lab sleep study (polysomnography, or PSG) is more complete but less convenient. A home sleep apnea test (HSAT) is best for simple sleep apnea cases, and your sleep doctor will suggest the best option for you.

How do you choose the right sleep study?

When your doctor recommends a sleep study, you may have a choice between an in-lab PSG and a home test. Both have their place in sleep medicine.

Knowing the differences will help you feel ready for whichever option your sleep specialist recommends.

What is an in-lab sleep study (PSG)?

What it measures

• Brain — Brain waves and sleep stages.
• Eyes and muscles — Eye movements and muscle activity.
• Heart — Heart rhythm and rate.
• Breathing — Breathing effort and airflow.
• Oxygen — Blood oxygen levels.
• Movement — Leg movements and body position.
• Sound and video — Snoring and video recording.

Pros

• Most complete — It is the most complete sleep check available.
• Finds everything — It can diagnose all types of sleep disorders.
• Watched by an expert — A technologist stays with you and makes sure the data is good.
• Pressure test included — It can include CPAP titration (finding the right CPAP air pressure) in the same night.

Cons

• Overnight stay — You must spend a night at a sleep lab.
• Less natural — Sleeping away from home may feel less natural.
• Cost — It costs more than home testing.
• Scheduling — It can take longer to schedule.

What is a home sleep apnea test (HSAT)?

What it measures

• Nasal airflow — Air moving through your nose.
• Blood oxygen saturation — How much oxygen is in your blood.
• Respiratory effort — How hard you work to breathe.
• Heart rate — How fast your heart beats.
• Body position — How you lie (some devices).

Pros

• Your own bed — You sleep at home.
• Easy — It is more convenient and comfortable.
• Cost — It costs less.
• Scheduling — It is often easier to schedule.

Cons

• Limited — It can only diagnose obstructive sleep apnea.
• No brain waves — It can't measure sleep stages.
• May miss severity — It may show your sleep apnea as milder than it is.
• Depends on you — Data quality depends on putting the device on correctly yourself.

When is each test recommended?

An in-lab PSG is preferred when:

• Complex problems — More complex sleep disorders are suspected.
• Other health problems — You have serious medical conditions (comorbidities) as well.
• Central sleep apnea — There is concern that your brain is not sending the signal to breathe.
• CPAP titration — You need a night to set your CPAP pressure.
• Unclear home test — A home test did not give a clear answer.

A home test is a good fit when:

• Obstructive sleep apnea — It is the main concern.
• Healthy heart and lungs — You have no serious heart or lung (cardiopulmonary) disease.
• Easy setup — You can put the device on correctly.