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Home Sleep Studies. Recommended For And Preferred By Patients

Tue, Oct 23, 2012

Over the past decade, countless studies have linked sleep disorders to a wide range of serious consequences, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, congestic heart failure, stroke, diabetes ... and more. 

The effects of sleep-disordered breathing are known to have a cumulative and negative effect on multiple organs in the body, taking a toll on the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. In the past it was difficult and expensive to get diagnosed and treated for sleep disordered breathing.   The foreign and uncomfortable environment of the sleep labs, and the high price traditionally linked to diagnosis through a lab may soon be a thing of the past.

Most sleep physicians that require you to check into a traditional hospital or Sleep Laboratory overnight for a full polysomnogram (PSG).  One wonders whether this is strictly necessary in the majority of cases, or simply a reflection of the fact that many sleep labs are owned by the sleep physicians who refer patients to them.

The simple fact is a small portable device can achieve virtually the same results, while in a comfortable and natural environment for the patient:  namely, their own bedroom.  This simply and more appealing approach saves time and money, getting the patient tested, treated, and back to work sooner.  Patients who have experienced both methods, vote unanimously for the at-home sleep study option.

Lab or hospital based studies should still be used for patients who present with potentially complex sleep issues and known cardiac conditions. However, portable testing is rapidly growing in use and stature as physicians recognise it as an equally accurate method of diagnosis of sleep apnea for groups who have been pre-screened and are known to be at risk for sleep apnea. A very high percentage of patients do not need any further testing after one night with a 10 channel in-home diagnostic recorder, such as we use. This raises the question:  “Why perform the most expensive test first? Especially if it is very likely you will never need the more expensive test?”

Portable testing is far more flexible, more convenient for the patient, less expensive, and far less likely to cause testing delays common to sleep labs, and hospitals. In some cases, sleep labs can require three to four week wait times, while ambulatory testing is can be performed immediately.

The bottom line is, patients have a choice.  Just because a doctor has referred you to a sleep laboratory or hospital based unit this does not mean you are compelled to have your diagnostic sleep study done there.  If you would prefer a home-based sleep study performed in the comfort and privacy of your own home, simply call us on 1300 246 637 for a free, no obligation chat with one of our friendly treatment coordinators.  Alternatively, you can make an enquiry online by clicking the button below.

Either way, we look forward to helping you with any questions you might have.  That's what we're here for.  :-)  

 

 

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