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Choosing Between Home and Lab Sleep Studies: What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Maryal ConcepcionMaryal Concepcion


Person sleeping

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your doctor might recommend a sleep study. But should you do it at home or in a sleep lab? Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding the differences can help you make the best decision for your health.


Lab Sleep Studies: The Gold Standard

Sleep studies done in a lab, also known as in-laboratory polysomnography (Lab-PSG), are considered the most reliable way to diagnose sleep disorders. Here's why:


  • Fewer Recording Issues: Lab studies have a much lower rate of poor-quality recordings compared to home studies. For example, one study found only 5% of Lab-PSG recordings were excluded due to poor quality, compared to 20% of home-based recordings.

  • Accurate Diagnosis: Lab studies provide a complete picture of your sleep, making it easier to identify problems like OSA and measure their severity accurately.

  • Expert Oversight: Sleep technicians monitor the study in real-time, so they can fix any issues with the equipment during the test.


Home Sleep Studies: Convenience and Comfort

Home-based polysomnography (H-PSG) offers some advantages:

  • Better Sleep Efficiency: Studies show people tend to sleep longer, fall asleep faster, and spend more time in deep sleep at home compared to a lab.

  • Lower Cost: A home sleep study can cost significantly less than a lab-based study.

  • Patient Preference: Many people find sleeping in their own bed more comfortable and less stressful than spending the night in a lab.


The Trade-Offs

While home sleep studies are more convenient, they have limitations:

  • Higher Error Rates: Home studies are more likely to have lost or poor-quality data. One study found that 23.4% of home studies had ineffective recordings compared to only 11.2% of lab studies.

  • Less Reliable for Severe Cases: Home studies can underestimate the severity of conditions like OSA. This is particularly concerning for people with severe symptoms, as accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

  • No Real-Time Monitoring: If the equipment malfunctions during a home study, there’s no one there to fix it.


When Home Studies Might Work

Home studies can be a good option if:

  • You have a strong suspicion of OSA and need a quick, less expensive diagnostic tool.

  • You have difficulty traveling to a sleep lab or feel too anxious about sleeping in a clinical setting.


Why Lab Studies Are Still "Preferred"

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) considers Lab-PSG the gold standard for a reason: it offers unmatched accuracy and reliability. If you need a comprehensive evaluation or have other health conditions that could affect your sleep, a lab study is the best choice.


Making the Right Choice

Both home and lab sleep studies have their place, but the decision depends on your situation. If cost, level of insurance coverage and convenience are your priorities, a home study might work for you. But if you want the most accurate results and a complete picture of your sleep health, a lab study is the way to go.


Talk to your doctor to determine which option fits your needs best. Remember, whether at home or in a lab, taking the step to get a sleep study is an important move toward better sleep and better health.

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A Direct Primary Care Clinic in Arnold, CA

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