Night Owl Home Sleep Test: Everything You Need to Know
Sleep disorders are common conditions, with obstructive sleep apnea being the most common of them, causing poor physiological and emotional health due to the lack of proper sleep.
Traditionally, sleep disorders were diagnosed through a night of monitored sleep in a sleep center. This means the person undergoing the test must sleep in an unfamiliar place connected to several sensors. However, this approach is costly and somewhat uncomfortable.
This led to the creation of smaller, more comfortable, and accurate monitoring systems that could be used from home. That’s right! Medical advancements now allow you to get tested for sleep apnea from the comfort of your own home. And one of the most comfortable ones is the Night Owl Home Sleep Test.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this at-home sleep test to help determine if you have sleep apnea.
What Is the Night Owl Home Sleep Test and How Does It Work?
The Night Owl is a home testing device used to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a prevalent type of sleep breathing disorder. This device is a small sensor that you tape to your fingertip and uses Bluetooth to send data collected during your sleep time to an app on your phone so it can later be sent to your doctor.
One of the best characteristics of the Night Owl is that this at-home sleep test can be taken from the comfort of the user's own bed. Plus, the Night Owl sensor is small and lightweight and does not interfere with the user’s sleep quality.
The Night Owl Home Sleep Test is the best way to rule out if you suffer from sleep apnea. At Sleeplay, you can purchase the device and enjoy free shipping, along with a complimentary 1:1 video consultation with a specialist.
This device records metrics that give helpful information about the user’s sleeping pattern and can help diagnose OSA. These metrics are:
- - Blood oxygen level: The NightOwl device uses photoplethysmography (PPG) technology to monitor the blood oxygen level. This is important because, during sleep apneas or hypopneas, the oxygen level in the blood can decrease significantly.
- - Peripheral arterial tone (PAT): By measuring the PAT, the Night Owl can sense the pressure caused by a pulse of blood. This allows it to measure the user’s heart rate and blood pressure. These two variables decrease during apneas and increase when the user breaths again, making them very useful in diagnosing OSA.
- - Actigraphy: The Night Owl sensor also has an accelerometer to track the movements of the user’s body (mainly the limbs) during sleep, which helps determine whether the user is asleep or awake.
- - Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): AHI is the division of the total number of apneas or hypopneas by the total sleep time (in hours), which correlates to the severity of OSA. To calculate this scale, the device uses the three other metrics mentioned.
Other home sleep apnea tests use sensors that attach to the wrist (like a watch) of the chest. Because the Night Owl is attached to the fingertip of the user, it makes it less invasive and enhances its data-collecting capabilities.
Is the Night Owl Home Sleep Test Accurate?
The Night Owl home sleep apnea test can be instrumental in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, especially in people with moderate to severe symptoms who do not have any other diseases.
Because of its accuracy, it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used by people 13 and older with a physician's prescription. It also meets the Department Of Transportation (DOT) Physical Test requirements.
However, this sleep test device is not ideal for estimating the severity of the symptoms, and it cannot diagnose other types of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Therefore, it does not substitute polysomnography.
The Benefits of the Night Owl Home Sleep Study
Small size
Non-invasive
Reusable
Disposable
Long battery life
Easy to use
Convenient
This device allows the user to have a sleep test done in the comfort of their own bed instead of spending a night in a sleep lab.
Despite all the advantages of a home sleep apnea test, some people prefer a traditional sleep test at a sleep center. Costs, accuracy, and convenience can influence the decision.
| Night Owl | In-Lab Sleep Tests |
|---|---|
|
Advantages: - Makes it easier to sleep while taking the test - Does not require traveling, making it ideal for people in rural areas or commercial truck drivers - Costs less than a traditional in-lab sleep test |
Advantages: - It is the most accurate type of sleep apnea test - Includes information on multiple types of tests, including CPAP titration - It can diagnose not only OSA, but also other sleep disorders |
|
Limitations: - It cannot help diagnose other types of sleep apnea nor other sleep disorders. Only OSA - An in-lab test might still be necessary if this test is inconclusive or if the user requires CPAP titration - User error can diminish the test’s accuracy |
Limitation: - Getting to sleep can be difficult because of the large amount of sensors used and the unfamiliar environment - Costs more than an at-home sleep apnea test - People in isolated areas or who have overnight jobs might not have access to a sleep lab |
Who Should Use the Night Owl Home Sleep Test?
As previously mentioned, the Night Owl home sleep test can be used with a physician’s prescription in people 13 years and older. This means that before taking the test, the user must see a doctor.
Sleeplay provides a free 1:1 video consultation with a sleep specialist when you order your NightOwl home sleep test to expedite the process.
People with symptoms of moderate to severe OSA are the best candidates to take this test. Such symptoms include:
- - Excessive daytime sleepiness
- - Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
- - Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- - Morning headaches
- - Difficulty concentrating during daytime
It can also be a good option for those on a tight budget and those who cannot travel to a sleep center to take a sleep apnea test.
How to Get Started With Your Night Owl Device?
Schedule Consultation
When you request the purchase of a Night Owl, you will receive a link to schedule a virtual consultation with the doctor and an intake form to complete before your visit.
At Sleeplay you can schedule your appointment online.
Ship the Night Owl to You
After the consultation, we will ship the Night Owl test straight to you. It usually takes 2-3 business days. This time is only possible with Sleeplay, which sends it directly to your home for free.
You will get 1 Night Owl Mini, 10 tape strips to attach the device to your finger, and the instructions to set it up properly.
Install the Night Owl Companion App
You can download the Night Owl Companion App from the PlayStore or the AppStore, just like any other app.
Once you purchase the Night Owl device, you will receive an activation code. After getting the code in the app, the user must fill out a brief personal health questionnaire to complete the app setup.
Connect the Device With the App
Wear the Device
The NightOwl Companion app will instruct you to attach the sensor to your index finger properly. The side with the flashing light must be pressed against your fingertip, and the adhesive strap must be wrapped around your finger tight enough so it does not fall.
You must avoid wrapping it too tight because it will lead to inaccurate readings and discomfort.
Take the Test
Finish the Test
You must press the “wake up” button on the app to turn off the sensor and update the data on your phone. Then, you must complete a survey about how you slept and press “submit” to send it to your doctor.
For optimal results, it is recommended to conduct the test for a minimum of 2–3 nights. Once the test is complete, the results will be sent to your email.
You can find all these instructions in this video tutorial.
What Happens Once You Have Taken the Night Owl Home Sleep Test?
After the test, all the sleep data is sent to your doctor so you can schedule a video-call consultation to discuss the results and guide you through the treatment options.
If sleep apnea is diagnosed, you will get an official prescription and may proceed with the purchase of a CPAP machine.
If you get your Night Owl Home Sleep Test at Sleeplay, you will have free shipping to your location and get your test results in less than a week. We also have sleep coaches to answer questions about CPAP Machines and the home sleep test.
What Is the Cost of the Night Owl Home Sleep Study?
The Night Owl Home Sleep Study is a cost-effective test, compared to in-lab sleep tests, and is more convenient. You only need to spend $189 when you purchase it from Sleeplay, and you also get a free consultation and analysis from a certified medical professional.
This price is meant for one night's use only. Therefore, if it is necessary to carry on a multi-night evaluation, more test nights can be added for an additional cost.
Having a sleep test that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the price of an in-lab sleep test can give you accurate results, and an early diagnosis of OSA can help you get better sleep sooner.
Do you suspect that you have sleep apnea? Don't wait any longer and take the Night Owl Home Test. Sleeplay allows you to do it from the comfort of your home and under the supervision of professionals. Contact us and ensure your well-being!
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