Home sleep testing
At-home sleep study: diagnose sleep apnea from your own bed
An at-home sleep study is a medical test for sleep apnea that you take in your own bed using a small portable monitor. It records your breathing, oxygen levels, and airflow overnight. A licensed sleep physician then reviews the data and confirms whether sleep apnea is present, often without you ever visiting a clinic.
Quick answer
A home sleep apnea test lets you screen for obstructive sleep apnea in one night at home. If results suggest apnea, a licensed physician explains them and recommends treatment — no sleep lab required.
What is an at-home sleep study?
It is a simplified version of an in-lab polysomnography that you perform at home. The test is designed primarily to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing. Because you sleep in your usual environment, the results can reflect your typical night more naturally than a lab visit.
How does a home sleep apnea test work?
After a licensed sleep physician orders the test, a kit is shipped to your door. You wear the sensors for one night — or sometimes two — and then return the device in a prepaid mailer. The physician downloads the recording, scores the data, and schedules a video visit to discuss the findings.
What equipment does a home sleep study use?
A typical kit is small enough to fit in one hand. It usually includes:
- —A lightweight recording device worn on the chest or wrist
- —A soft chest belt that measures breathing effort
- —A finger oximeter to track oxygen levels
- —A thin nasal cannula to measure airflow
Some kits also add a position sensor or microphone to record snoring and sleep position.
How much does an at-home sleep study cost?
Cost varies by provider and insurance plan. Many home sleep apnea tests are covered by insurance when ordered by a licensed physician. If you are paying out of pocket, prices can vary widely depending on the type of device and whether the fee includes the physician interpretation. At restful.health, you see your exact cost before you commit.
Who is a good candidate for a home sleep test?
Home testing is generally suited for adults who have symptoms of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and no major heart, lung, or neurologic conditions. A brief screening with a licensed sleep physician determines whether a home study is right for you or if an in-lab test is safer.
What happens after the test?
A licensed sleep physician reviews the study and explains whether sleep apnea is present. If treatment is needed, they recommend a plan tailored to you — such as CPAP therapy, oral appliance referral, or lifestyle changes — and follow your progress over time. All of this can be managed remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for a home sleep study?+
Yes. A licensed physician must order the test for you. At restful.health, a sleep physician reviews your symptoms and prescribes the study if a home test is appropriate.
Is a home sleep study as accurate as a sleep lab test?+
A home sleep apnea test is accurate for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in appropriate patients. Complex cases may still need an in-lab polysomnography.
How long does it take to get results?+
Results are usually available within a few business days after the device is returned. A licensed sleep physician then explains the findings and recommends next steps.
Can I do the test more than one night?+
Some devices can record multiple nights. Your ordering physician will tell you how many nights of data are needed for your situation.
Last updated September 5, 2026
Ready to start your home sleep study?
Join the waitlist and get restful sleep starting tonight.
Free to join · No card required