Dr. Kurth and Dr. Jones offer in-home sleep tests for patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
What is this all about? We are pleased to be able to offer Home Sleep Tests to patients who are suspected of having obstructive sleep apnea. The technology for detecting sleep apnea has advanced rapidly in the last several years and now allows for a convenient and reliable tool to screen for obstructive sleep apnea in your own home. You can learn more about sleep apnea, also called obstructive sleep apnea,
here.
Who should do a home sleep test? This test is suitable for most patients who might have sleep apnea. Dr. Kurth and Dr. Jones screen all patients for signs of sleep apnea during their annual visit. Please talk to Dr. Jones or Dr. Kurth if you are concerned you may have sleep apnea. You can take
this quiz to assess your own risk. We encourage you to discuss your concerns with the doctors even if your quiz results indicate low risk for sleep apnea. Common symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, frequent night time wakening, morning headaches, wakening with a dry mouth, witnessed pauses in your breathing at night (by others), and poorly controlled high blood pressure. Risk factors for sleep apnea include being male, age over 50, overweight and obese, neck circumference over 16 inches in women and 17 inches in men.
How does a home sleep test work? If your doctor recommends you undergo a test, it will be conducted in your own home for 1-3 nights using a light portable device that tracks your breathing, brain waves and blood oxygen level. Most sleep studies are conducted for one night. You will be asked to come to the office to be instructed on how to use the machine on the day of your test. We ask that you bring the machine back to the office on the following day.
When do I obtain my sleep test results? Your sleep test data will be interpreted by a board-certified sleep specialist (physician). You will receive your scored and interpreted report two to three weeks after the test. The report will include next steps if any abnormality is found. If your test results show no evidence of sleep apnea, this disorder can be confidently ruled out (“green light”). If your test indicate mild sleep-disordered breathing, your doctor will guide you through the next steps, including a possible referral to one of our nearby trusted sleep specialists if that is needed. If the findings indicate a clear need for treatment, you will be referred to one a sleep specialist.
I think I might have sleep apnea. What should I do? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurth or Dr. Jones to discuss your concerns further.
What if my test shows I have sleep apnea? Dr. Kurth and Dr. Jones will review your sleep test results. Dr. Kurth and Dr. Jones and determine if referral to a sleep specialist for consultation to devise an individualized treatment program. We work closely with a select group of sleep specialists. Simply out, obtaining a home sleeps test in the primary care setting allows for a rapid Green Light (normal) or Red Light (ABNORMAL) or Maybe (MILDLY or POSSIBLE ABNORMAL), and gets you to any needed treatment sooner.