ABSTRACT
Although they represent the “ gold standard” for diagnosing sleep disorders, labora tory polysomnograms are no longer the only method by which an overnight sleep test can be obtained. The technology of data acquisition and storage has improved to the extent that portable equipment is now available for performing unattended sleep tests in patients’ homes. These home sleep tests are abbreviated versions of the more comprehensive labora tory polysomnograms; the portable equipment that is currently available is able to collect only a limited amount of data, and the data are focused on parameters of breathing and oxygen level (see Table 4). Moreover, home sleep tests are unattended (no technologist is present during the test), leads can fall off or become disconnected as the patient sleeps, and data can be lost. Nevertheless, home sleep tests can establish the diagnosis of obstruc tive sleep apnea syndrome in many cases. Occasionally a second night of testing is required if the patient does not sleep adequately during the first night or if leads become discon nected and inadequate data are acquired.
