Home diagnosis of the obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome

Polysomnography has been accepted by many as a "gold standard" for the diagnosis of the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea/Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS). Although polysomnography is a good method for diagnosing OSAHS, there is no evidence that the results of polysomnography more accurately identify patients with the syndrome than more simple investigations which may be done at lower cost in the patient's home. This article examines the evidence for and against home sleep studies and concludes that home sleep studies have a role. Precisely what that role is will depend on financial and organisational aspects for each sleep centre.