Data obtained from overnight monitoring of sleep-related physiological parameters in a patient’s usual sleep environment provides valuable diagnostic information. This information typically includes measurements of breathing, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and body movement. For example, these measurements can reveal the frequency and duration of breathing pauses or reductions in airflow (hypopneas and apneas) indicative of sleep apnea.
Diagnosing sleep disorders based on data collected in familiar surroundings offers several advantages over in-lab studies. It often leads to more comfortable, natural sleep patterns, improving the accuracy of diagnostic assessments. Moreover, accessibility is increased due to lower costs and reduced waiting times often associated with these studies. This advancement in sleep medicine technology has significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders since its wider adoption in recent decades, allowing more individuals to receive timely and effective care.