Understanding your test results

Support Article | Home Sleep Testing
Patient reviewing home sleep test results

Home Sleep Testing (HST) provides valuable insights into your sleep quality, breathing patterns, and overall nighttime health. Once your results are ready, it’s important to understand what the data means for your diagnosis and treatment planning.

1. Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

This number indicates how many times per hour your breathing was disrupted during sleep. It is the key measure used to assess the severity of sleep apnea:

  • Normal: Fewer than 5 events/hour
  • Mild Sleep Apnea: 5–14 events/hour
  • Moderate: 15–30 events/hour
  • Severe: Over 30 events/hour

2. Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

This measures how much oxygen is in your blood during sleep. Healthy levels typically stay above 90%. Frequent or prolonged drops below this level may indicate impaired breathing and disrupted sleep.

3. Heart Rate and Breathing Patterns

  • Heart Rate: Monitored throughout the night to detect irregularities or signs of strain.
  • Respiratory Events: Includes apneas (complete pauses) and hypopneas (partial blockages), both of which affect oxygen levels and sleep quality.

4. Snoring and Sleep Time

Many reports include data on snoring intensity and frequency, as well as total recording time. While snoring alone doesn’t confirm sleep apnea, it can support other findings.

5. Understanding the Diagnosis

HST results are reviewed by a qualified sleep specialist who determines whether a diagnosis of sleep apnea or another sleep disorder is present. Your provider will explain the results and recommend next steps, which may include:

  • CPAP therapy
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Further testing or in-lab studies

6. When to Ask Questions

  • If your AHI is high or your oxygen drops were frequent
  • If you’re unsure about what treatment is recommended
  • If you’d like a copy of the full report or want to understand any medical terms used

7. Data Privacy

All test data is handled securely and reviewed only by authorized medical professionals. You have the right to access your full report and ask for clarification on any part of the findings.

Understanding your home sleep test results is the first step toward improving your sleep health. If you have concerns or questions, reach out to your sleep specialist for personalized guidance.