Home Sleep Diagnostics in San Diego, CA | Silenso Clinic
Sleep apnea is a leading cause of loss of sleep, increased stress, poor concentration, and chronic fatigue. Experts estimate that 20% of U.S. adults suffer from some form of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but the problem lies in the 90% of those who are undiagnosed.
Those undiagnosed patients who suffer from sleep apnea might not know why they feel tired during the day, why their energy levels and moods are inconsistent, and what they can do about these problems.
Fortunately, home sleep testing offers a simple way to see if you or a loved one suffers from OSA. Here, Dr. Schalch Lepe of Silenso Clinic in North San Diego discusses home sleep testing as a diagnostic tool for OSA, who it is for, and how it works. Sleep and breathing problems are principal reasons patients visit Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe, an industry-leading board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist).
If you or a loved one are having trouble sleeping or breathing at night, then reach out to Dr. Schalch Lepe at (858) 925-5800 or fill in his contact form to arrange your consultation in San Diego today. Silenso Clinic is located in Carmel Valley in North San Diego County and serves many communities throughout the greater San Diego area, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Coronado, Eastlake, Chula Vista, and more.
Specializing in the treatment of a variety of conditions (deviated septum, nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, etc.), Dr. Schalch Lepe is highly qualified and motivated to provide his patients with the best possible treatment results. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Dr. Schalch Lepe has the unique perspective of having trained in multiple countries. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
What Is Home Sleep Testing?
Home sleep testing is a diagnostic procedure that is done in the comfort of the patient’s own home. Using the WatchPAT ONE sleep study technology device, the patient’s breathing, snoring, body position, and heart rate patterns during their sleep are monitored, recorded, and saved for assessment by a sleep specialist, such as Dr. Schalch Lepe.
Your home sleep test results can indicate what is causing your drowsiness and if obstructive sleep apnea is indeed a problem. If so, Dr. Schalch Lepe can further assess the patient to determine the best course of action for them in the long term.
How Does a Home Sleep Test Work?
A home sleep test with the WatchPAT ONE device is simple, comfortable, non-invasive, and convenient. To perform the home sleep test, all you’ll need is the device and a smartphone.
The device itself consists of a sensor worn on the upper chest (to detect snoring and body position), a wrist band, and a finger probe (to measure heart rate, blood oxygen, and changes in the capillary blood vessels). As such, patients need to trim their fingernails and refrain from using hand lotion on the night of their home sleep test to ensure the device fits properly.
Before going to bed on the night of your home sleep test, download and install the WatchPAT ONE app onto your device and power up the WatchPAT ONE device. Then, while keeping your device within 15 feet of you while you sleep, press “record” on the app, and sleep as usual.
When you wake up, simply press “end” on the app, which will terminate the recording. Your app will transmit your sleep data to your provider, who will use the data to diagnose any disorder.
Once this is done, the patient then goes to their provider for a consultation, during which the home sleep test results are discussed, and next steps are discussed to either treat or further diagnose any sleep disorder that may exist.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Home Sleep Test?
If your partner tells you that you snore excessively, or you get 8 hours of sleep but still feel drowsy, unrested, or experience any of the following symptoms, then a home sleep test is worth doing:
- Regular morning headaches
- Lack of concentration or memory loss
- Frequent naps during the day
- Moodiness or irritability
- Fluctuating energy levels
These symptoms indicate potentially interrupted sleep, and home testing is a simple, affordable way of identifying what might be causing these problems.
So, if you experience any of these symptoms and are unsure why, consider a home sleep test – it can make all the difference in your quality of life and the quality of sleep your partner or loved ones around you experience.
Home Sleep Testing in San Diego, CA
If you suspect you have obstructive sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, ask the Silenso Clinic team if home sleep testing is right for you.
Ear, nose, throat, sleep, and breathing specialist Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe specializes in various breathing, sleep, and airway treatments (deviated septum, nasal obstruction, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea), all meant to help his patients achieve an improved quality of life by breathing better and sleeping easier. Dr. Schalch Lepe takes an in-depth, personalized approach with each patient to ensure they receive the best possible treatment for their situation.
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, and born to Swiss parents, Dr. Schalch Lepe has been fortunate to gain unique, international perspectives and experiences from his training and upbringing. This experience has led him to be sought out by domestic and international patients, many of whom are Mexican ex-pats living throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
Arrange your consultation today by calling (858) 925-5800 or filling out his online form.