Not Getting Enough Sleep? Find Out If It's A Disorder

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- If you've already had your coffee and you're still feeling tired, it may be a sign of a bigger health problem. Many times people aren't getting enough restful sleep they need because of conditions like apnea and insomnia.

The best way to find out if you have a sleep disorder is through a sleep study, but those can take a lot of time and be costly.

Now, there is a new way to reach a diagnosis that Fairview Sleep System is using called an "At-Home Sleep Study."

"We are trying to reach people who have common conditions. Insomnia (affects) maybe 10 to 15 percent of the population; similarly with sleep apnea," said Fairview's Dr. Conrad Iber. "Our intent to is to get out and reach patients where they are for their convenience. Also because it's not possible for us to do it with the workforce we have. We have to reach out and find simpler and quicker ways to do things."

The device looks like a mini computer that gathers information on breathing patterns, flow of air in and out of the throat. A finger device measures oxygen levels, and straps measure movement of the chest and the abdomen.

Then you take the device in, and a doctor will download the information and analyze it.

How accurate is it versus the traditional overnight sleep study when you go into a clinic? Iber says it's at least equivalent, and at about a quarter of the cost or less, depending on your insurance.