What in Home Sleep Study Test Will Blue Cross of Tennessee Insuance Accept for Slaeep Apnea

Why It Matters Which Home Sleep Testing Device You Use

At Singular Sleep, we use the Alice NightOne from Philips, a type 3 home sleep apnea test device that meets the highest standards for home testing specified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, unlike many other companies that use the Watch-PAT device.

AT HOME SLEEP STUDY AS EASY
AS 1-2-3

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About Dr. Krainin:

• Double board-certified in sleep medicine and neurology
• Over 10 years of experience practicing sleep medicine
• Elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for distinguished contributions to the field
• Graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine
• Graduate of University of Michigan's Sleep Medicine Fellowship program
• Multiple publications in the field of sleep medicine
• Licensed to practice medicine in 47 states

Named one of the best sleep doctors in the country**

Get to Know Dr. Krainin & Learn about Our Services

Or let us contact you to give you more information or help you order an at home sleep study. We will reach out to you within one business day:

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Home Sleep Apnea Tests

I. Before Ordering the at Home Sleep Study

1. What is an at home sleep study?
An at home sleep study is a way to test for sleep apnea at home without having to spend a night in a sleep lab.

2. How does an at home sleep study work?
You perform the study yourself in the comfort of your own home. You order the study then we send you an at home sleep study kit with easy-to-follow instructions. You wear a sensor under your nose, one on your chest, and a third on your finger tip - that's it! After you wear the at home sleep study for a night, you send it back to us and within a few days we will email you the at home sleep study report in a secure message.

3. Will my insurance company cover the cost of the at home sleep study?
Singular Sleep is considered an out-of-network provider for health care insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Humana, Medicare, Cigna, Tricare, United and others. Our staff can help you complete and submit an out-of-network claim to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement or to count towards your deductible.

Before you make a decision about going through your insurance to get a home sleep study, be aware of the potential drawbacks. Obviously you want to use the health care insurance that you're paying for as much as possible. But in certain circumstances, like with home sleep studies, it may make more sense to use a private company like Singular Sleep.

The downsides of using insurance for home sleep studies that we frequently hear about are:

i. It is often impossible to get an accurate quote for what your out of pocket cost will be. It may end up being more expensive than our fee due to "surprise" medical bills.

ii. You may need to see a doctor to get authorized for your insurance to approve the sleep study and then you may have to wait weeks to months to actually get the test done. Our home sleep apnea test typically ship within a few days or your order and don't require any doctors visits or further documentation.

4. Can I order an at home sleep study online without a prescription or getting a referral from my doctor?
Yes, as long as you live in one of the following states/territories where we offer this service:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Guam *referral required
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri

Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

5. How do I order an at home sleep study?
The easiest way to order a sleep apnea test is to fill out and submit the online home sleep study order form. We'd also be happy to assist you in placing an order over the phone. Feel free to call us at 844-SLP-WELL (757-9355).

6. What should I expect after I place an order online?
You will receive an e-mail from us acknowledging receipt or your sleep apnea test order. You'll then receive an e-mail update from us once the home sleep study test kit has shipped.

You will receive a Philips Respironics Alice NightOne home sleep apnea testing device in the mail between 2-3 days after you receive the shipment notification email.

On the night of your sleep study, you will sleep normally in your own bed with the device attached. Detailed instructions are included to ensure that you set up the test correctly.

After one night of testing, sending back the device is easy with our pre-addressed envelope. You are allowed to keep the device for a total of four nights should you need more time to complete the study. Upon receiving the device back, our sleep doctor will interpret the results of your sleep test and provide a report detailing the key findings and treatment recommendations.

7. Do I need to do the at home sleep apnea study one night or multiple nights?
There is minimal night-to-night variability in sleep apnea so, for the purposes of diagnosing you with sleep apnea, only one night is needed. Your rental of the at home sleep study kit includes four nights in case you have something that comes up that prevents you from doing the home sleep study the first night.

8. How much does an at home sleep study cost and what is included?
The cost of an at home sleep study is $295.

The $295 home sleep study fee includes:

• rental of the home sleep study kit for four nights
• shipping both ways
• scoring of the sleep apnea study data
• review and interpretation of the final sleep study data by a board-certified sleep doctor
• a formal sleep apnea test report that includes your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), final diagnosis, and diagnostic codes

9. How long will it take for the home sleep study kit to come in the mail?
Once your home sleep test order ships, you should receive it in 2-3 business days depending on where in the United States you live. If you would like to expedite your test you may select overnight shipping for an additional $75.

10. Can I use my HSA or FSA account to pay for the sleep study?
Yes, our sleep study is considered a qualified medical expense.

11. Do you accept CareCredit?
We proudly accept CareCredit. Please indicate on the order form if you are submitting your CareCredit card information as it is different form a typical credit card.

12. Do you offer a payment plan?
Yes! We accept PayPal Credit. We also accept Affirm for CPAP equipment. Learn more here.

13. Can you tell me how much of the cost, if any, my insurance company will cover for the at home sleep study test?
We cannot tell you what your insurer covers. The only way to determine this with certainty is to consult your plan's coverages.

14. Can I seek reimbursement from my insurance company for the cost of my at home sleep study?
Yes! We are more than happy to provide you with invoices for all products and services that you purchase from Singular Sleep. We will include all sleep apnea-related insurance codes in the invoices: ICD-10 diagnostic codes, CPT procedure codes, and HCPCS medical equipment codes. Always check with your healthcare insurance company to clarify their coverage policy.

15. Does your home sleep apnea test meet DOT and FAA criteria?
Our sleep apnea test is a Type 3, FDA-approved device that meets DOT requirements. The FAA requires a type 2 at home sleep study. We have a limited number of these home sleep study devices. Click here to learn more. If you have any doubt about your DOT doctor's expectations, check to make sure that he or she approves of a home sleep test versus an in-lab test. Learn more about CDL requirements here. Pilots can get information about sleep studies here.

16. I have a CDL. What are the advantages for me to use Singular Sleep for my DOT-required home sleep study?
We have hundreds of patients who are commercial drivers. We are very familiar with the process that you are going through and will work with you to get your sleep test results to you quickly so that you can stay on the road. Should your sleep apnea study show that you have sleep apnea, our complete sleep apnea solutions offer several advantages:

i. Telemedicine sleep apnea doctor consultations: you can meet with our sleep apnea doctor while you're on the road through a smartphone, tablet, or computer that is connected to the Internet. This prevents you from having to take time off work to go to the sleep clinic to meet with the sleep apnea doctor in person. The doctor can prescribe CPAP and troubleshoot issues that may come up that can interfere with your use of the equipment. He can also sign paperwork for the DOT to keep you in compliance with their regulations.

ii. Remote CPAP compliance data management: if you purchase CPAP equipment from us, we will be able to get DOT-required compliance downloads remotely from your machine. You won't have to take any time off to go to a DME to get the download.

17. Home vs. in-lab sleep studies: Is an at home sleep study as good as an in-lab sleep study and what are the differences?
In 2007, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued a clinical guideline declaring that home sleep apnea tests were equivalent to in-lab sleep studies for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in at-risk patients. You can read the guideline here. Diagnosing OSA is by far the most common reason to have a sleep study. In-home sleep studies cannot diagnose other sleep disorders besides sleep apnea. It is advisable that patients with certain medical problems such as advanced heart failure and lung disorders as well as people who at risk for sleep disorders due to leg movements have an in-lab study. Consult your doctor or a sleep specialist if you need advice on what type of sleep study is best for your situation.

Many people have reported that they can't sleep well during an overnight sleep study in the lab. This is actually to be expected. There is a phenomenon called "the first night effect" that leads us to not sleep normally in a new environment. Not only do people find it harder to fall and stay asleep in a different environment, but the normal sleep stage pattern may be disrupted. For this reason, there are strong reasons to believe that home sleep test results might actually be more accurate in many cases.

The equipment used during in-lab sleep studies is vastly different than what's used in home sleep apnea tests. In-lab sleep studies require that electrodes and sensors be applied to your body, from your scalp to your legs, with abrasive paste. There will be a technician observing you during the entirety of the study through an infrared camera in the sleep study room. Our home sleep test units only have three parts:

1. A nasal cannula to measure airflow
2. A pulse oximeter to measure oxygen levels
3. A chest belt to measure breathing effort

The "brain" of the unit weighs 3 oz and sits on the chest belt. It records body position and all the data from the other sensors.

Additionally, in-lab sleep studies:

Make you go to bed and get up on their schedule. Usually "lights out" is around 9:30-10 p.m. and "lights on" is 5-5:30 a.m. Many people find it hard to go to bed that early.

You can get up to go to the bathroom during the sleep study, but it's a hassle. You have to call out to the technologist and then he/she has to "unplug" you so that you can go to the restroom.

More recently, fears about COVID-19 have led more and more people to search for home sleep testing solutions. Lack of demand and logistical difficulties with infection prevention have caused many sleep labs to close or reduce their capacity, creating long waits to get in for an in-lab study in many areas.

18. How do I know if I need a sleep apnea test?
Common obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, signs, and risk factors include:

• snoring on the majority of nights of the week (loudness of snoring isn't as important as regularity of snoring)
• feeling unrefreshed after a full night's sleep
• frequent awakenings during the night
• excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30)
• your bedpartner voices concerns about abnormal breathing (such as stopping breathing) in your sleep
• waking up gasping, coughing or choking
• neck circumference ≥17" in men or ≥16" in women
• cigarette smoking

Other, more subtle signs may indicate OSA, such as:

• extremely restless sleep
• waking up in the morning with headaches
• nighttime acid reflux
• feeling hot and sweaty during the night or needing the bedroom extremely cool
• needing to urinate multiple times during the night

These factors may also influence sleep apnea risk:

• age: sleep apnea rates increase as we get older
• sex: men have higher risk until women finish menopause, then risk equilibrates
• family history
• cigarette smoking
• structural jaw abnormalities, e.g. micrognathia (small lower jaw) and retrognathia (set-back, recessed lower jaw), narrow, high-arched palate (upper jaw)
• large tonsils
• large adenoids
• allergies
• asthma
• race/ethnicity: African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Mexicans are at increased risk. Some research suggests that Asians, even when normal weight, are at increased risk due to face, head, and jaw structure.
• alcohol consumption or sedative/hypnotic medications near bedtime
• head shapes such as dolicocephaly (long, narrow head)

Additionally, there are many medical problems that can cause sleep apnea.

19. Are there any free sleep apnea screening tests?
Yes, click the button below if you'd like to receive our scientifically-validated, free, online sleep apnea screening tests:

20. What type of home sleep study test system do you use?
Singular Sleep uses Philips Respironics Alice NightOne at home sleep study devices.

21. I need a sleep study for an upcoming surgery. Is a home sleep test acceptable for my pre-op surgery requirement? If so, how quickly can I get a CPAP machine if I do have sleep apnea?
Absolutely. We've helped many patients who needed a rapid solution for sleep apnea testing and management before having a surgical procedure. If you are proactive, you can generally get the results of your sleep study within 7-8 business days of ordering it. Should you test positive for obstructive sleep apnea, we can usually facilitate you seeing our sleep doctor online and getting a CPAP machine within a week.

22. I had a sleep study years ago, do I need another one now?
Generally, our medical director recommends that, before pursuing treatment for sleep apnea, it's a good idea to have had a sleep apnea test in the past five years. This is because sleep apnea severity typically gets worse with age. A new sleep apnea test also is indicated if you've had major weight changes, either a gain or loss, since your original sleep apnea test. It's important to know the degree of sleep apnea severity because it will influence which sleep apnea treatment options might be appropriate for you.

23. Can I order an at home sleep study for my child?
Pediatric patients (age <18-years-old) require a special testing device specifically approved by the FDA for this age group. You can order a pediatric home sleep test here.

24. Can I order an at home sleep study for someone else?
Yes, but the person who orders the home sleep study device will be responsible for ensuring the kit is returned on time to Singular Sleep.

25. Is a home sleep study the same as a "polysomnogram?"
Polysomnogram (or polysomnography) is the formal medical name for a sleep study. An at home sleep study is a type of sleep study.

26. Am I renting or buying the at home sleep study?
The $295 fee is for a four-night rental of the at home sleep study kit. The home sleep study unit is a very expensive piece of medical equipment.

27. Can I do a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) or maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) at home?
MSLTs and MWTs must be performed in a sleep lab under supervision

28. Is this sleep test the same thing as a "sleep apnea machine?"
Sleep apnea terminology can get confusing. When people say "sleep apnea machine" they may be referring to a CPAP (the machine that treats sleep apnea) or the testing kit that is used to diagnose sleep apnea. The first step is to see if you have sleep apnea with a sleep apnea test. Then, if your sleep study does indeed show sleep apnea, you will need to get a prescription from a doctor for a CPAP machine to treat the disorder.

29. I use Bongo Rx. Can I do an at-home sleep study with Bongo Rx to see how well Bongo Rx is treating my sleep apnea
Yes. AirAvant, the manufacturer of Bongo Rx, recommends a repeat limited sleep study to assess for efficacy of the device. Our at home sleep study tests are suitable for this purpose. You will not be able to use the nasal cannula for the test but the doctor will get important data about your breathing and oxygen levels to be able determine whether Bongo Rx is completely effective in treating your sleep apnea.

30. If my sleep apnea test shows that I have sleep apnea, do I have to get a CPAP machine from you?
No, you can use your at home sleep study test report to get a prescription for treatment from your doctor or our doctor. Either way, you can get your equipment from the durable medical equipment company of your choice.

31. Can I use an oral device to treat my sleep apnea?
Yes, the at home sleep study device that we use is appropriate to determine if you have sleep apnea and, if so, whether you are a good candidate for an oral appliance for sleep apnea.

32. I use an oral appliance for sleep apnea and want to know whether it's treating my sleep apnea effectively. Can I use at home sleep study with the oral appliance in my mouth while I sleep?
Yes, having an at home sleep study while using your oral appliance for sleep apnea will let you know how well the device is working to treat your sleep apnea.

33. Can I use the results of the a home sleep study to get a "travel CPAP machine?"
Absolutely, if your goal is to get a portable miniCPAP machine, you can use our home sleep testing solution.

34. Can I do your at home sleep study with my CPAP machine to see how well it's working?
Yes, this is a good test to check the efficacy of your current CPAP's settings. If you have a nasal pillows mask, you will not be able to record the signal from the nasal cannula sensor.

35. It's going to take a long time to get a sleep study through the VA. Can I use your at home sleep study report to obtain CPAP treatment through the VA?
Yes! Unfortunately, many of our veterans have to wait too long to get the medical treatment that they need through the Veterans Affairs health system. The major roadblock is usually getting in for the diagnostic sleep study. Obtaining an at home sleep study through Singular Sleep that shows that you have sleep apnea can be used to obtain CPAP through the VA.

36. I have a pacemaker and/or an ICD (implanted defibrillator). Will I be able to use this at home sleep study?
A pacemaker or ICD will not interfere with the test results.

37. Do I need to have a consultation with your sleep apnea doctor before ordering an at home sleep study kit?
No, you do not have to have a consultation with our sleep apnea doctor before ordering the at home sleep study kit.

38. Can this at home sleep study test be used to qualify for Inspire?
Yes, results from this at home sleep study can be used to qualify a patient for Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation.

II. Performing the at Home Sleep Study

1. What happens if I have a problem setting up or doing the at home sleep apnea study?
We provide clear, concise, and easy-to-read instructions with your at home sleep study kit and we also email you an instructional video. However, should you have any difficulties, we will be happy to provide you with phone support to make sure that you get a good sleep study.

2. How many hours of sleep are required to get a valid at home sleep study?
Our doctor recommends recording at least 6 hours of sleep to get accurate results. If you think that you had less sleep than that, call us at (844) SLP-WELL (757-9355) to get recommendations from our team.

3. I have a cold (or allergies). Can I still do my at home sleep study?
The typical nasal congestion and throat inflammation from a cold or environmental allergies have little bearing on your sleep apnea study results - go ahead and do the at home sleep study. If you've been diagnosed with something more serious, like COVID-19, pneumonia or influenza, call us at (844) SLP-WELL (757-9355) to discuss the situation.

4. Can I get out of bed during the at home sleep study?
Yes, the device senses when you are standing up and automatically excludes this data from the study so this won't be a problem. Please do not take off or stop the test if you do get up during the night.

5. How will I know if I did the at home sleep study correctly?
The instructions included in the at home sleep study kit tell you how to get the machine to tell you in the morning if a good study was obtained. If you have any question about whether you had a good at home sleep study, please call us at (844) SLP-WELL (757-9355) before returning the test kit so that we can troubleshoot the issue with you.

6. What happens if I don't do the at home sleep study test correctly?
If you return the at home sleep study kit and the sleep apnea doctor determines that there is not enough data to get you a diagnosis, then you will have the option to redo the study for a $30 shipping and handling charge.

7. Should I take sleeping pills the night of the at home sleep study or will they affect the results?
In general, the most accurate sleep study data will be obtained if the night of the sleep study is a typical night for you. We typically recommend that, if you take sleeping pills to sleep, then you do so the night of your at home sleep study. If you have further questions you can schedule an online sleep doctor appointment.

8. Can I use my bite guard during my at home sleep study?
Yes, using your bite guard will not affect the at home sleep study results.

III. After the at Home Sleep Study

1. How do I send the at home sleep study test back to you?
You will be provided with a USPS Priority Mail envelope with a pre-paid return shipping label affixed to it. All you have to do is place the test kit in the return box, seal the box and place it in your nearest blue USPS mailbox.

2. How long does it take to get the results after I send the at home sleep study kit back?
Once we receive the at home sleep study kit (usually 2-3 business days after you mail the kit) you will most likely receive the results of your home sleep study in 1-2 business days.

3. How will I get the at hoe sleep study results? Do you mail them to me or my doctor?
You will receive your at home sleep study results in a secure email. We do not send the results to anyone else unless you have completed a medical information release form and explicitly directed us to send the test results to another party.

4. If the test shows sleep apnea, how do I get a CPAP machine?
CPAP machines, humidifiers and masks are considered "legacy" medical equipment and require a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. If you test positive for sleep apnea and want to get a CPAP machine, then you will have two options:

1. 1. 1. 1. Take your sleep study test report to your doctor and ask him/her for a prescription for a CPAP machine.
         2. Schedule an online appointment with our sleep specialist. He will go over your treatment options and give you the appropriate prescription.

5. If my home sleep apnea study shows that I have sleep apnea, will I have to go to a sleep lab for another test?
Our physician, Dr. Krainin, treats the majority of patients with an auto-CPAP machine or auto-BPAP machine. This prevents you from having to have an in-lab PAP titration study. Auto-adjusting machines do require follow-up appointments to verify the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the machine settings as needed. Some patients with more complex forms of sleep apnea may be required to go to a sleep lab for a full-night titration sleep study after their at home sleep apnea study.

6. Are there alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea treatment?
There are several CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea. Depending on the type and degree of sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for other treatments such as BiPAP, oral appliances for sleep apnea, Bongo Rx, Inspire, positional therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

7. How does Singular Sleep use the data from my at home sleep study?
The raw data is reviewed in its entirety by the sleep doctor. A report is generated and the doctor adds his interpretation of the data, diagnoses (if applicable), and treatment recommendations. After approximately one month, your at home sleep study data will be deleted and expunged from our system.

8. What will the at home sleep study report results include?
The at home sleep study report will tell you your apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). If your AHI is five or above, then you have sleep apnea. The report will tell you your AHI in different body positions - often sleep apnea is positional and worse when sleeping on the back.

Your AHI will determine the degree of sleep apnea that you have:

i. mild sleep apnea: apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 5-14.9
ii. moderate sleep apnea: AHI 15-29.9
iii. severe sleep apnea: AHI ≥30

The sleep study report will also tell you about your oxygen levels including:

i. How low did your oxygen drop during the night?
ii. How long was your oxygen level below normal (<90%)?

At the end of the report, the doctor will give you a diagnosis. The most common diagnoses are:

i. obstructive sleep apnea ICD-10 G47.33
ii. sleep apnea ICD-10 G47.30
iii. sleep related hypoventilation/hypoxemia ICD-10 G47.36

Finally, the sleep study report will give you treatment recommendations, which may include a CPAP machine or BPAP machine, and/or CPAP alternatives such as Bongo Rx or an oral appliance for sleep apnea.

9. Will the at home sleep study report provide settings for a CPAP machine?
No. The pressure for a PAP machine can be derived in two ways:

1. An in-lab PAP titration study performed after your diagnostic sleep study.

2. A home auto-PAP titration. In this scenario, the pressure range is set by the clinician (usually to the default machine pressure settings but practices vary by practitioner). Generally, data will be gathered for 1-4 weeks and then your machine will be adjusted to the optimal pressure by the clinician. Depending on how low your oxygen drops were during your diagnostic sleep study, a follow-up overnight pulse oximetry study may be recommended to ensure that your oxygen levels are not dropping into an unhealthy zone. Results of the pulse oximetry study may guide further adjustment of your PAP machine.

10. What are the advantages of buying a CPAP machine and mask from Singular Sleep?
Advantages of buying CPAP from us include:

Cost: affordable, high-quality equipment

Committed customer service: If you buy CPAP equipment from us, we will troubleshoot your issues and answer your equipment-related questions - it is VERY COMMON for people to need help with their new CPAPs. If your equipment was purchased through another vendor, we will not be able to help you "set up" your machine or manage problems that you may encounter with your CPAP machine or mask.

Better results: if you buy your CPAP machine from us, we be able to enter it into our monitoring software system. This allows us to seamlessly and remotely monitor your machine's data, adjust your machine's pressure to the proper settings for you, and make sure that the treatment is working for you.

11. I have another question that I don't see on this list. Where can I get an answer to my at home sleep study question?
You might find an answer to your question in this article about the most frequently asked home sleep study test questions. If not, do not hesitate contact us or to call us at (844) SLP-WELL (757-9355).

1. What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is caused by repetitive collapse of the upper airway (back of the throat) during sleep. For the purposes of sleep studies, episodes of full upper airway collapse for at least ten seconds are called apneas. Episodes of partial airway collapse for at least ten seconds that result in a significant blood oxygen level drop (3-4% depending on what criteria is used), a brain awakening, or both are called hypopneas. If a sleep study demonstrates an average of five or more combined apneas and hypopneas per hour, the study supports a diagnosis of OSA. Generally, at least four hours of sleep are desired to evaluate for the disorder. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is much less common than OSA. The root cause of CSA is a communication failure between the brainstem (the "central" generator of breathing) and the lungs. There are multiple subtypes of CSA. When there is a mixture of OSA and CSA on a sleep study, the term "complex sleep apnea" is used.

2. What are the most common sleep apnea symptoms and signs?
Common obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, signs, and risk factors include:

• snoring on the majority of nights of the week or your bed partner tells you that you snore loudly
• feeling unrefreshed after a full night's sleep
• frequent awakenings during the night
• excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
• overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25-29.9) or obese (BMI ≥30)
• your bed partner voices concerns about abnormal breathing (such as that you stop breathing) in your sleep
• waking up gasping, coughing or choking
• neck circumference ≥17" in men or ≥16" in women
• cigarette smoking

Other, more subtle signs may indicate OSA, such as:

• extremely restless sleep
• waking up in the morning with headaches
• nighttime acid reflux
• feeling hot and sweaty during the night or needing the bedroom extremely cool
• needing to urinate multiple times during the night

These factors may also influence sleep apnea risk:

• age: sleep apnea rates increase as we get older
• sex: men have higher risk until women finish menopause, then risk equilibrates
• family history
• cigarette smoking
• structural jaw abnormalities, e.g. micrognathia (small lower jaw) and retrognathia (set-back, recessed lower jaw), narrow, high-arched palate (upper jaw)
• large tonsils
• large adenoids
• allergies
• asthma
• race/ethnicity: African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Mexicans are at increased risk. Some research suggests that Asians, even when normal weight, are at increased risk due to face, head, and jaw structure.
• alcohol consumption or sedative/hypnotic medications near bedtime
• head shapes such as dolicocephaly (long, narrow head)

Additionally, there are many medical problems that can cause sleep apnea.

3. What are the most common sleep apnea causes?
As depicted below, obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the back of your throat being too narrow and closing up repetitively during the night:

Common risk factors that lead to narrowing of the upper airway:

1. weight
2. neck size
3. smoking
4. jaw structure

Alcohol and certain medications like sedatives and muscle relaxants can make your airway more prone to collapse.

4. Can sleep apnea cause other medical problems?
OSA can cause or worsen numerous medical problems, reducing the quality and length of your life. Sleep apnea can cause:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart attack
• stroke
• atrial fibrillation
• sudden and premature death

For a comprehensive list of sleep apnea-related medical problems, click here.

5. What is a sleep apnea study?
A sleep study (also known as a polysomnogram or PSG) is a series of physiological measurements conducted synchronously during sleep to assess whether a patient is suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep studies can either be in-lab (at a sleep center) or at-home. Home sleep tests are exclusively used to determine the presence or absence of sleep apnea in high risk patients. During at home testing, many physiological measurements are taken including the patient's breathing patterns, oxygen levels, snoring, body position, and heart rate. Sleep doctors interpret the data to determine if the patient has sleep apnea or not, what type of sleep apnea it is (obstructive, central, or "complex" - a mixture of obstructive and central), the degree of sleep apnea (mild, moderate, or severe) and whether there are other issues like hypoxemia (continuously low oxygen levels) or respiratory rate disturbances (bradypnea - low respiratory rate, tachypnea - high respiratory rate). Treatment option recommendations will vary depending on the above variables.

Still have questions?
Call us at 844-757-9355 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time) or email us at info@singularsleep.com

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Source: https://www.singularsleep.com/pages/at-home-sleep-study

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