Tag Archive for: HST

What Is a Sleep Test and Why Do I Need One?

/in , /by

What Is a Sleep Test and Why Do I Need One?

Celebrating Sleep Technologists Week

Each year during Sleep Technologists Week, we take time to recognize the dedicated professionals who work through the night to help patients get the rest they deserve. Sleep technologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders — monitoring your sleep patterns, analyzing data, and ensuring your test is safe, comfortable, and accurate.

If your doctor has recommended a sleep test, you might be wondering:

✅ What exactly is a sleep study?
✅ Do I really need one?
✅ What’s the difference between an in-lab sleep test (PSG) and a home sleep test (HST)?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Sleep Test?

A sleep test, also called a sleep study, is a diagnostic procedure that records your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain waves, and movement while you sleep. The goal? To uncover sleep disorders such as:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • Insomnia

  • Restless Legs Syndrome

  • Narcolepsy

  • REM Behavior Disorder

  • Parasomnias (like sleep talking or walking)

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend one of two types of sleep tests:

Types of Sleep Tests

1. In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography – PSG)

A PSG sleep test is conducted overnight in a comfortable sleep lab. During this test, a registered sleep technologist monitors your sleep in real time from a nearby control room.

What It Measures:

Function Tracked Why It Matters
Brain waves (EEG) Detects sleep stages & abnormalities
Breathing & oxygen Identifies sleep apnea events
Heart rate (ECG) Monitors for arrhythmias
Leg movements & muscle activity Detects restless legs or parasomnias

Best For:

  • Moderate to severe sleep apnea

  • Complex sleep disorders

  • Patients with heart, lung, or neurological conditions

2. Home Sleep Test (HST)

A Home Sleep Test is a more convenient option for diagnosing suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You take a small portable device home, wear it overnight, and return it the next day.

Monitored Metrics:

  • Breathing patterns

  • Snoring

  • Oxygen levels

Best For:

  • Snoring, daytime fatigue, or suspected mild to moderate sleep apnea

  • Patients who prefer a comfort-of-home experience

Note: HSTs don’t detect all sleep disorders — which is why your doctor may still recommend an in-lab PSG depending on your symptoms.

Why Do I Need a Sleep Test?

Sleep isn’t just rest — it’s medicine. Untreated sleep disorders are linked to:

  • High blood pressure & heart disease

  • Diabetes & weight gain

  • Memory loss & mood changes

  • Daytime fatigue leading to accidents or reduced quality of life

A sleep test provides answers, and more importantly — a path to better health and energy.

Thank You to Our Sleep Technologists!

Behind every successful sleep diagnosis is a skilled sleep technologist — collecting, analyzing, and validating crucial data so you receive the right treatment.

This Sleep Technologists Week, we say THANK YOU to the professionals who help our communities Say Hello to Sleep Again.

Sleep Better. Live Better.

If you or a loved one snores, feels tired during the day, or suspects a sleep disorder, scheduling a sleep test might be the first step toward a healthier life.

Call 703-729-3420 or request a sleep consultation online today.