How Accurate Are Home Sleep Studies for Sleep Apnea Diagnosis?

Sleep apnea is a common yet often underdiagnosed condition that affects an estimated 30 million adults in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Left untreated, it can contribute to a wide range of serious health problems—including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. For many patients in the Atlanta area, a key step toward better sleep and better health begins with one question: How do I get diagnosed?

At the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center, we offer at-home sleep studies to evaluate sleep-disordered breathing. Advances in home sleep testing technology have made home polysomnograms a highly effective and accessible diagnostic tool for many individuals.

What Is a Home Sleep Study?

A home sleep study, also called a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), is a simplified version of a sleep study that you complete in the comfort of your own bed. Rather than spending the night in a sleep lab, you use a small portable device that monitors your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and body movements while you sleep.

The process is simple:

• You pick up the testing equipment (or have it shipped to you)
• You receive clear instructions on how to apply the sensors and use the device
• You sleep at home, typically for one or two nights
• You return the device, and the recorded data is interpreted by a board-certified sleep physician

How Accurate Are Home Polysomnograms?

Home sleep studies are highly accurate for diagnosing moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients without other major medical conditions. Studies show that home tests correctly identify OSA in 90% or more of cases when the patient is a good candidate for at-home testing.

According to a report published by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, home sleep studies can have sensitivity rates of 88–93% and specificity rates of 85–90% for diagnosing OSA in appropriately selected patients.

When Is a Home Sleep Study Recommended?

You may be a good candidate for a home sleep study if:

• You have symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or frequent waking
• You are otherwise healthy, without major cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions
• You need a convenient, cost-effective option for diagnosis
• You prefer to sleep in your own bed rather than a lab

Home tests are especially beneficial for busy Atlanta professionals or parents who may struggle to carve out time for a night away from home.

Getting Started in Atlanta

At Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center, our board-certified sleep experts will guide you through the entire testing process—from evaluating your symptoms to issuing the home sleep study and explaining the process. We’re proud to offer advanced, evidence-based care tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

We serve patients throughout Atlanta and surrounding communities, and our goal is to make sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment as seamless as possible.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait to get the answers you need. A home sleep study may be all it takes to start improving your sleep, your health, and your life.

Contact the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center today to schedule your consultation and find out if a home polysomnogram is right for you.