Sleep Apnea Testing Northern Arizona

Diagnosing Your Sleep Disorder

Your sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed before it can be treated. There are two main ways to do this: an in-lab sleep test or a take-home sleep test. Our team at Sleep Better Southwest can help you make the necessary arrangements to have either type of sleep test performed so that you can get the reliable diagnosis that you need. Reach out today to set up a consultation with Dr. Held and learn more about your options for sleep apnea testing in Northern Arizona.

Why Choose Sleep Better Southwest for Sleep Apnea Testing?

In-Network with Most Health Insurance (+ Medicare)

Convenient Take-Home Tests Available

Free Consults Available

Senior man looking confused about whether he needs sleep testing in Northern Arizona

Do I Need a Sleep Test?

You should have a sleep test performed if there is reason to think that you may have sleep apnea. Several symptoms could potentially indicate that you are currently struggling with a sleep disorder, such as:

Snoring loudly every night.
Feeling depressed.
Experiencing excessive daytime fatigue.
Being unable to concentrate.
Suffering from insomnia.

Do any of the symptoms listed above apply to you? If so, you should have a sleep test performed as soon as you can.

Sleeping woman hooked up to electrodes for sleep apnea testing

How an In-Lab Sleep Test Works

When you choose to have an in-lab sleep test performed, you will spend the night at a special sleep laboratory. Various instruments will be used to measure your brainwave activity, your heart rhythm, your breathing patterns, your blood oxygen levels, and other things that might be going on inside your body. The information collected during the night will make it possible to determine whether you are currently suffering from sleep apnea or another sleep-related condition.

One of the advantages of choosing an in-lab sleep test is that it tends to be a better option for patients with complex medical histories, major heart conditions, or previous neurological conditions. This means that an in-lab sleep test tends to provide more information in these complex situations. Additionally, you will have the benefit of an in-lab technician keeping an eye on you throughout the night so that they can make any adjustments to the equipment that might be needed.

Person putting a pulse oximeter on their finger

How a Take-Home Sleep Test Works

For a take-home test, you will be given a simplified breathing monitor as well as instructions on how to use it. When you go to bed, you will set up the necessary equipment. This generally includes a small sensor on your finger, a sensor around your chest and a nasal cannula. The various sensors will gather information about your vitals while you sleep.

The most obvious advantage of a take-home sleep test is that you can sleep in your own bed instead of an unfamiliar laboratory. For many people, this makes it easier to fall and stay asleep, which can help make the readings more accurate. On top of that, take-home sleep tests tend to cost less than those performed in laboratories, and they typically only need to be used for a single night.

Sleep Testing FAQs

Whether you undergo an in-lab or at-home sleep test, you can expect reliable results. In-lab sleep tests offer comprehensive monitoring and are widely regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders. At-home tests, while less detailed, still provide reliable results for many common conditions, including sleep apnea. If you have questions about the equipment used during your sleep test or other factors that might affect its accuracy, we will strive to help you find answers.

To maximize the accuracy of your sleep apnea testing in Flagstaff, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines. Before your scheduled test, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals in the afternoon and evening. Maintain your usual bedtime routine so that the results reflect your typical sleep patterns as closely as possible. You will be provided with detailed instructions tailored to your prescribed type of test. For in-lab studies, you may bring personal items such as pajamas or a favorite pillow to help you feel comfortable. For at-home tests, we will ensure you understand the equipment setup so the experience is as smooth as possible.

After you complete your sleep test, our dental team will work closely with sleep specialists to analyze the data. Typically, you can expect to receive your results within one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the study and the type of test you completed. We will schedule a follow-up appointment to review your results and discuss the next steps. Our practice prioritizes clear communication and prompt feedback, so you will not have to wait long to understand your sleep health and explore potential treatment options.

Most medical insurance plans provide coverage for sleep testing when prescribed for a medical reason. Our team welcomes insurance, and we may be able to help you figure out how your benefits apply, whether you will borrow equipment for an at-home test or visit a laboratory.

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