If you’re snoring loudly, waking up feeling exhausted, or hearing complaints from your partner about gasping or restless sleep, you may be dealing with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But before any treatment can begin, the first step is accurate diagnosis—and that’s where sleep studies come in.
At TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana, we offer both at-home and in-lab sleep diagnostics to help patients find answers fast. In this post, we’ll explain the differences between the two and how to decide which option is right for you.
What Is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study—also called a polysomnogram—is a test that measures various functions of your body while you sleep. It collects detailed data on:
- Breathing patterns
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Brain waves
- Body movements
- Snoring and sleep positions
The goal is to detect sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea and assess their severity so that effective treatment can follow.
Why Is Sleep Diagnosis Important?
Undiagnosed sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems over time, including:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive decline and memory issues
It also causes daytime fatigue, poor concentration, mood swings, and can severely impact your quality of life. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the sooner you can take action to restore healthy sleep.
At-Home Sleep Studies: How They Work
At-home sleep testing is a convenient, simplified version of a sleep study that can be completed in the comfort of your own bed. You’ll receive a portable sleep test device with sensors that record key data while you sleep.
What it typically measures:
- Oxygen levels
- Respiratory effort
- Heart rate
- Snoring
- Sleep position
After the test, you return the device and your data is analyzed by a sleep specialist to determine whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it may be.
Benefits of At-Home Sleep Studies
✅ Comfortable and convenient
✅ Sleep in your own environment
✅ More affordable than in-lab testing
✅ Quick results
✅ Ideal for diagnosing moderate OSA
At-home testing is a great option for many patients, especially those with classic symptoms of sleep apnea and no complex medical conditions.
In-Lab Sleep Studies: What to Expect
In-lab sleep studies are performed overnight at a certified sleep center under the supervision of trained technicians. This environment allows for a more comprehensive analysis with advanced monitoring.
What’s included:
- EEG (brain activity)
- EKG (heart monitoring)
- Eye movement tracking
- Limb movement analysis
- More detailed sleep stage data
This option is ideal for people with complex symptoms, multiple health issues, or for cases where an at-home study does not provide conclusive results.
Benefits of In-Lab Sleep Studies
✅ More detailed and accurate
✅ Monitors full range of sleep disorders
✅ Technicians can respond in real-time
✅ Recommended for severe or unclear cases
While some may feel hesitant about sleeping in a medical setting, it’s important to remember the sleep center is designed to be quiet, comfortable, and as close to a home-like environment as possible.
Which Sleep Study Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | At-Home Study | In-Lab Study |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | ✅ Very high | 🚫 Less convenient |
| Cost | ✅ Lower | 🚫 Higher |
| Comfort | ✅ Home setting | 🚫 Clinical setting |
| Detail level | 🚫 Basic | ✅ Comprehensive |
| Best for | Mild-moderate cases | Complex/severe cases |
What If I’m Not Sure?
You don’t need to decide on your own. Our team at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre Indiana will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to recommend the best testing option. We may start with an at-home test and follow up with in-lab testing if needed.
FAQs About Sleep Testing
Is sleep testing covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes—especially if it’s recommended by a provider. We’ll help verify your benefits and walk you through the process.
What if my results are unclear?
We may recommend an in-lab follow-up to get more detailed information before starting treatment.
Can sleep studies detect anything besides sleep apnea?
In-lab studies can also identify restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and other less common sleep disorders.
Do I need a referral?
Not necessarily. If you’re experiencing symptoms, you can contact us directly for an evaluation.
Get Diagnosed. Get Back to Restful Sleep.
If you’re constantly tired, snoring heavily, or worried about sleep apnea, a sleep study is the first step toward better health. Whether you need an easy at-home test or a more advanced in-lab study, our team will guide you every step of the way.
👉 Request an Appointment to schedule your sleep evaluation today.