Are you one of the estimated 18 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea? A good night of rest is imperative to your health, however, sleep apnea can disrupt this, not only disturbing your sleep but it may also lead to a whole slew of health problems. For example, according to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research, it’s estimated that 38,000 deaths occur on a yearly basis that are related to cardiovascular problems which can be connected in some way to sleep apnea.

So, what exactly is sleep apnea and how can it affect it? Sleep apnea is considered a potentially dangerous — if not fatal — condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts again during the course of the night. This pattern of not breathing and then breathing again deprives the body, and most importantly the brain, of oxygen. In an effort to kick start breathing again, the brain often makes the body cough. During an average night’s sleep, a sufferer of obstructive sleep apnea may experience up to 60 or more apneas or episodes of not breathing per hour.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea but are apprehensive about spending the night in a hospital, a home sleep test for sleep apnea may help you and your doctor diagnose your condition. A home sleep test for sleep apnea allows you to sleep in the comfort of your home while reaching a potential diagnosis. Many people are apprehensive about undergoing a sleep test in a hospital, and some patients are unable to fall asleep, making test ineffective.

A home sleep test for sleep apnea costs roughly $300, however, this cost is often covered by the majority of insurance carriers. Similarly, many of the treatments for sleep apnea, such as BIPAP machines and CPAP masks are also covered by the majority of insurance carriers as well.