Sleep Study vs. Sleep Lab Test: Which Is Better for You?

What is a Sleep Study/Sleep Test ?

There are around 85+ sleep disorders and every disorder may have different symptoms. Your Dr may suggest you for a sleep study/sleep test to diagnose any of these disorders. However most common sleep disorders is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which contributes to almost 80% of total sleep disorders prevalence.

How a sleep study/sleep test performed ?

Sleep Study is done when patient sleeps during the night in majority of cases. In some specific cases it is done during the day as well. During sleep study test patient is hooked up with a device (Polysomnograph/PSG) and patient sleeps with the device. Different channels which are attached to different body parts ,submit the signal into main device entire night and then report is generated next day. Sleep Study device may differ based on level of test which your Dr chooses.

There are mainly four types/levels of Sleep Study Test

Level 1 /Type 1 Polysomnography –

This is considered to be a gold standard test . This is mainly done in hospitals or specific sleep labs. Patient will have to visit these places and get admit for this type of test. In this type of test a sleep technician hooks up the Polysomnography device and does a live monitoring entire night. This type of Polysomnography /Sleep Study Test gives detailed analysis of sleep patterns and this is used to detect variety of sleep disorders.

Level 2/Type 2 Polysomnography –

This is a step down test but this has comparatively lesser channels then Level 1 Polysomnography. This can be done at home also where generally a technician visits the patient’s place and hooks up the device. In this type of Polysomnography test technician stays with patient and monitor the device. This type of test also gives a comprehensive analysis of sleep pattern and most commonly used test in India.

Level 3 /Type 3 Sleep Study –

This is a basic test which is generally used to diagnose OSA when patient doesn’t have any comorbidities. This type of test can be done at home and technician visits patient’s place.

Technician hooks up the device and patient can sleep with the device comfortably at home. Technician stay is not required in Level 3 Sleep Study Test.

Level 4 /Type 4 Sleep Study –

This type of test is generally used for screening only and not commonly used.

What is the cost of Sleep Study/ Sleep Test in India?

Cost may depend upon many factors i.e. City, Hospital, type of Device used etc but price range can be –

Level 1 /Type 1 Polysomnography: INR 10,000- INR 30,000

Level 2/Type 2 Polysomnography: INR 7,000- INR 12,000

Level 3/Type 3 Sleep Study: INR 2,500- INR 4,000

Level 4/Type 4 Sleep Study: INR 1,500- INR 2,500

What are the key parameters checked in Sleep Study /Sleep Test ?

Number of Parameters will depend upon the type of device used but some key parameters are common in all level of test.

AHI : this is known as Apnea Hypoapnea Index which is a per hour average of breathing pauses observed during the sleep. Any device will calculate AHI as –

AHI = (No. of Apnea+ No. of Hypoapnea) / Hours of Sleep

Definitions

Apnea : Cessation of airflow for 10 seconds or more

Hypoapnea : 30% reduction in airflow with 3% drop in oxygen saturation

ODI : this is known as Oxygen Desaturation Index and this per hour average of oxygen desaturation during sleep due to apnea/hypoapnea
Type of Apnea : There can be many type of apneas during sleep i.e.

Obstructive Apnea – If apnea is due to any obstruction in upper airway

Central Apnea – If apnea is due to any loss of central drive to breath

Mixed Apena – If apnea is a combination of obstructive & central apnea

Unclassified Apnea – If device is unable to categorise the apnea due to any reason

Apnea in different stages of Sleep i.e. Wake stage , N1,N2,N3 , REM sleep etc
Apart from it other parameters like Snoring events , flow limitations ,Heart Activity , Body Movement , Leg Movements etc

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What is Split Night Polysomnography / Sleep Study/Sleep Test ?

Split night Polysomnography is mainly done to reduce the trouble and cost for patient where diagnostic procedure is done for first half of night and after half night a pressure titration device is connected to check the improvement in sleep pattern

Home Sleep Test Vs Sleep Lab test; which is better for you ?

Your Dr is a best guide to tell you what is best for you for a clinical diagnosis. But still you can check for pros and cons of both procedures

Sleep Lab Test:

Pros – Gold standard, helps to get minute details, helps to diagnose a big umbrella of sleep disorders, monitored live so this reduces the chances of errors

Cons – Need to sleep in hospital or lab, costly, many channels make it complicated

Home Sleep Test:

Pros – Comparatively less complex, can be done at comfort of home, cost effective

Cons – Privacy may disturb due to technician’s presence, Not a live procedure