Three people with bicycles giving high-fives on a grassy hilltop at sunset, celebrating overcoming a sleep disorder, with mountains and a bright sun in the background.

Sleep Apnea Testing

Take the first step toward better sleep and better health.

If you suspect sleep apnea, accurate testing is essential. Resolve Sleep Health offers two clinically validated testing options: Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) and support for in‑lab Polysomnography (PSG). Both help diagnose sleep disorders so you can start the right treatment quickly.

What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study is a non‑invasive overnight test that monitors how your body works while you sleep. It can be done at home or in a sleep clinic, depending on your symptoms and medical history. Both types of sleep studies are designed to check for sleep‑related breathing problems, including sleep apnea. During the test, equipment tracks important signals such as your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, airflow, snoring, and body movements. Some in‑clinic studies may also monitor brain activity to get a more detailed picture of your sleep.

The information collected helps sleep clinicians determine whether your sleep is being disrupted, identify the type and severity of the problem, and recommend the most effective treatment for improved sleep and overall health.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Who Needs a Sleep Study?

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you are likely living with Sleep Apnea. Signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea often overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. To confirm sleep apnea, a sleep apnea test is required.

Signs You Might Need a Sleep Study

Loud snoring
Told you stop breathing at night
Waking up gasping or coughing
Toss and turn or can't stay asleep
Frequent bathroom trips at night
Tired or nap during the day
Morning headaches
Lack of focus or concentration
Difficulty driving long distance
Irritable and/or depressed
High blood pressure
Family history of sleep apnea

Two Ways to Test

What is an HSAT: An at‑home sleep apnea test for adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and do not have other serious health conditions, such as heart, lung, or neurological disorders, that could affect breathing or require more advanced testing. In this test, you’ll wear a small monitor for 1 night with sensors that will measure airflow, breathing effort, and oxygen levels completed in the comfort of your own bed.

HSAT testing process:

Complete the Test at Home
Get Your Results & Personalized Plan

Polysomnography, commonly referred to as PSG, is a comprehensive sleep study performed overnight at a specialized sleep clinic or hospital. PSG monitors a wide array of physiological parameters, including brain activity (EEG), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, breathing effort, airflow, and blood oxygen levels. This makes PSG the gold standard for diagnosing not just sleep apnea, but a range of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, and REM behavior disorder.
A referral from a family doctor is required.

HSAT vs. PSG: Quick Comparison

Feature
HSAT
PSG
Location
Home
Sleep clinic or hospital
Signals recorded
Airflow/efford, SpO2 HR; some devices use PAT + actigraphy
Full montage: EEG/EOG/EMG, airflow, effort, SpO2, ECG, snoring, body video
Detects central apneas & complex disorders?
Limited
Yes (preferred for central/complex cases)
Best for
Adults with suspected obstructive sleep apnea and no serious health conditions
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea and serious health conditions, such as heart, lung, or neurological disordedrs; suspected mild OSA; negative HSAT with persistent symptoms
Follow-up if negative/inconclusive
Do PSG
As clinically indicated
Cost & Coverage
Usually covered by provincial health
May have higher costs, coverage varies by province and referral
Comfort & Convenience
Sleep in your own bed
May be less comfortable, clinical setting
Wait Times
Shorter
Longer (due to limited lab availability PSG
Two people paddleboarding on calm water at sunset, with one person in the foreground playfully splashing water—an idyllic scene that highlights the importance of relaxation and stress relief in managing a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.

Why Test for Sleep Apnea?

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Diabetes complications
  • Daytime fatigue and poor concentration

Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed, but its effects can be serious. Getting tested early can make a big difference in your long‑term health.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms, don’t wait—book a Sleep Study with Resolve Sleep Health today and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms, don’t wait—book a Sleep Study with Resolve Sleep Health today and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.

Take the First Step Toward Better Health

If you have symptoms of sleep apnea or want to learn more, reach out to our Sleep Health experts today. Early intervention can help you sleep better and improve your overall health. 

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

An HSAT (Home Sleep Apnea Test) is a simple and convenient way to assess your sleep at home. It begins with booking your appointment online or by phone. Depending on the province you’re located in; no referral may be required. After your request is submitted, a Resolve Sleep Health clinician will contact you to schedule your test, and your home testing kit will be delivered directly to your door or made available for pickup at your nearest location. On the night of your study, you’ll follow simple instructions to complete the test in the comfort of your own bed. Once the sleep test is complete, our clinical team will carefully review your results and provide a personalized plan, guiding you through the next steps and any therapy options if needed.

OSA is linked to higher cardiovascular risk (e.g., heart attack, stroke). Early testing and treatment can reduce health risks and improve quality of life. [nhlbi.nih.gov]

Our clinical team will review your results and guide you through the next steps, including therapy options if needed.

People with significant cardiac/pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disorders, history of stroke, chronic opioid use, suspected central sleep apnea, parasomnias, seizure disorders, and most children should be evaluated with PSG. [aasm.org]

During a sleep study, your sleep and breathing are monitored overnight to see how your body functions while you rest. The test is non-invasive and can be done either at home or in a sleep clinic, depending on your symptoms and medical history.

A Home Sleep Apnea Test, also known as HSAT, allows you to sleep in the comfort of your own home while wearing a portable monitoring device. Polysomnography, commonly referred to as PSG, is a comprehensive sleep study performed overnight at a specialized sleep clinic or hospital.

In many provinces, a referral from your family doctor is required for PSG, but HSAT may be available directly through sleep health clinics like Resolve Sleep Health. The requirements and processes vary by province.

The amount of sleep required for a sleep study can vary depending on the specific purpose and protocol of the study. In general, a standard overnight sleep study typically involves monitoring your sleep for a required minimum of 4 hours; however, 6-8 hours is preferred. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive assessment of your sleep patterns, including the different sleep stages and any potential disruptions or abnormalities.

It’s common to experience difficulty sleeping during a sleep study due to the presence of sensors. However, rest assured that this typically does not impact the accuracy of your test results. Nevertheless, if you have any concerns or difficulties, it’s essential to communicate them to your Respiratory Therapist. They will be able to address your concerns and provide appropriate guidance. Remember, your Respiratory Therapist is there to support you throughout the sleep study process and ensure you have a comfortable experience.

A Polysomnography (PSG) is an overnight, in‑clinic study that monitors your brain activity, breathing, movement, and oxygen levels.
A Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) is a simpler, at‑home sleep test focused on detecting obstructive sleep apnea by measuring breathing and oxygen levels. Both can help rule out sleep disorders during an insomnia evaluation.

Coverage varies widely by province. Only British Columbia publicly funds HSAT through the Medical Supply Plan (MSP). Most other provinces require patients to pay out‑of‑pocket, unless private insurance covers it. For more details, review your provincial guidelines and insurance plan.

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