Your Home Sleep Test Explained: A Guide to Understanding Your Sleep Health

A home sleep test captures a range of data points that reveal how well you sleep and whether sleep-disordered breathing is present. Key metrics include:

• Sleep Efficiency: This is the percentage of time you spend asleep while in bed. Low sleep efficiency can signal fragmented sleep, which may result from sleep apnea or other conditions.
• Sleep Duration: The total amount of time spent asleep. Consistently short sleep duration can lead to chronic fatigue and long-term health risks.
• REM Time: The amount of time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a critical phase for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Disturbed REM sleep may indicate sleep apnea.
• Apnea Events (Total): The total number of times breathing stops for at least 10 seconds. Frequent apnea events are a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Unclassified Apnea Events (Total): These refer to breathing disruptions that don’t fit standard apnea classifications but still impact sleep quality.

The severity of sleep apnea is commonly assessed using the following indices:

• Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): This measures the number of apnea (breathing stops at least 10 seconds) and hypopnea (shallow breathing) events per hour of sleep. Results are often scored at two levels:
  • AHI at 3% Oxygen Desaturation: Includes events where oxygen levels drop by at least 3%.
  • AHI at 4% Oxygen Desaturation: Includes events with a 4% oxygen drop. Many medical insurers require this threshold to be met for coverage of treatment with oral devices like the Daybreak Device.
• Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI): Similar to AHI, but includes additional breathing irregularities that disturb sleep without meeting apnea or hypopnea criteria. RDI is often higher than AHI, capturing a broader range of disruptions.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is commonly diagnosed based on the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which measures the average number of apnea and hypopnea events per hour of sleep. The severity of OSA is classified as follows:

• Mild OSA: AHI of 5 to 15 events per hour.
• Moderate OSA: AHI of 15 to 30 events per hour.
• Severe OSA: AHI greater than 30 events per hour.

Understanding your OSA severity is critical for determining the appropriate treatment plan and prioritizing interventions to improve your health.

Oxygen levels during sleep are crucial markers of health. Key metrics include:

• Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI): The number of times oxygen saturation drops by a set percentage per hour.
• Lowest Desaturation (Minimum SpO2): The lowest recorded oxygen level during the test. Severe drops may signal critical health risks.
• Total Time Below Critical Thresholds: Time spent with oxygen saturation at or below specific levels (e.g., ≤ 90%, ≤ 85%). Prolonged low oxygen levels can stress the heart and brain.

Other metrics include maximum SpO2, average SpO2, and baseline SpO2, which provide a comprehensive view of your blood oxygen levels during sleep.

Heart rate variability during sleep offers insights into cardiovascular health. Metrics include:

• Minimum, Maximum, and Average Pulse: A wide range may indicate disrupted sleep or stress on the cardiovascular system.
• Ectopic Beats: Irregular heartbeats that might be linked to sleep-disordered breathing.
• Pulse Rate Percentages: The percentage of time your pulse exceeds 100 beats per minute (bpm) or falls below 60 bpm. These extremes can signal stress or poor oxygenation during sleep.

If your HST results indicate sleep apnea, snoring, or other sleep-disordered breathing, seeking treatment can significantly improve your health and quality of life:

• Better Oxygen Levels: Treating sleep apnea restores healthy oxygenation, reducing strain on the heart and brain.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Addressing disruptions leads to deeper, more restorative sleep.
• Enhanced Daytime Energy: Quality sleep improves focus, mood, and productivity.
• Reduced Health Risks: Managing sleep apnea lowers the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

At Daybreak, we offer a fully at-home testing and treatment solution for individuals seeking a convenient and discreet way to address their sleep health. From accurate home sleep testing to providing FDA-cleared oral appliances like the Daybreak Device, we make it simple to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and snoring. With our comprehensive approach, you can take control of your sleep health and enjoy the benefits of better sleep and overall wellness.

Understanding your home sleep test results is the first step toward a healthier, more energized life. If you’re ready to improve your sleep and address concerning results, reach out to Daybreak today and start your journey to better health!