UK – Home testing devices could increase the number of people diagnosed with sleep condition

Five home-testing devices to diagnose a silent sleep condition seriously harming the health of an estimated 2.5 million adults have been recommended by NICE in draft guidance.

An independent NICE committee has recommended five devices to diagnose and assess the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS).

Around five per cent of the UK population are believed to live undiagnosed with the condition, which is associated with serious health problems including hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart disease that can shorten life expectancy.

The new devices recommended by NICE in draft diagnostics guidance can be used at home while sleeping, do not require cannulas inserted into the nose, or formal instructions in hospital to use. They are considered less invasive, more comfortable to wear and easier to use…