If you have trouble sleeping, snore or suspect that you have sleep apnea, it is important to take those signs seriously and follow these three simple steps:

1. Recognise your symptoms. Are they listed as common symptoms of sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions?
2. Take our Sleep Apnea Quiz to see if you are at risk
3. Take a home sleep test (HST)
4. Talk to your doctor about how to get a sleep apnea test, either an overnight sleep lab test (known as polysomnography or PSG)

Overnight sleep lab test

In a sleep lab or hospital, clinical staff will place sensors on your body to monitor your sleep. With your permission, staff may also want to film your sleep study to gain more insight into your sleeping behaviour. This is to assess for unusual movements in your sleep (like sleep talking or walking) and for night-time seizures.

During this type of study, you will be required to stay overnight at the facility, so it is a good idea to take everything you need for your usual sleeping routine, including pyjamas and toiletries.

Home Sleep Test (HST)

A Home Sleep Test (HST) is similar to a sleep lab or hospital setup, with the added comfort and convenience of being in your own home. Before a home sleep study night, a sleep clinician will show you how to apply the sensors and monitors, and how to use the recording device during the night.

On the night you have scheduled your home sleep test, you will follow your normal evening routine, prepare for sleep, attach everything as you have been shown and start the recording. In the morning, you will remove everything as previously demonstrated and return the recording device to the clinic, sleep lab or hospital.

ResMed’s ApneaLink™ Air home sleep testing device includes a chest belt, nasal cannula, oximeter and recording device, which replace the sensors and tubes attached to you during a sleep study in a sleep lab while providing accurate and useful results. Simple, fast and easy to use, the ApneaLink Air reports apneas, hypopneas, flow limitation, snoring, blood oxygen saturation and breathing patterns within the recording.

After your sleep study

You and your doctor will discuss the results of your sleep study. If you have sleep apnea, you will discuss its severity and its possible effects on your health, as well as explore sleep apnea.

Your journey toward better sleep starts here!