How to Use the NightOwl®: Step-by-Step Guide to Sleep Test at Home

Experiencing disrupted sleep or unexplained fatigue? Shutize provides a seamless path to clinical-grade sleep testing at home. With NightOwl®, you can monitor for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders using a medically validated, wireless device, no lab visits, no intrusive equipment.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to use the NightOwl® home sleep test so you can take control of your sleep health, quickly and confidently.

What is the NightOwl®?

The NightOwl® is a lightweight, finger-worn sensor that records vital sleep metrics, including oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement, throughout the night. It connects to your smartphone, making the process completely wire-free and seamless.

It’s ideal for people who suspect sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep disorders but don’t have the time or comfort level for in-lab testing. Traditional sleep studies often involve wires, unfamiliar settings, and long wait times—factors that can disrupt natural sleep and affect results. The NightOwl® sleep test at home eliminates those barriers, offering clinical-grade accuracy in the comfort of your own bed.

Who Is the NightOwl® Home Sleep Test For?

The NightOwl® home sleep test is designed for individuals who:

• Experience Symptoms of Sleep Disorders: Such as loud snoring, frequent awakenings, daytime fatigue, or morning headaches.

• Prefer At-Home Testing: Ideal for those who are uncomfortable with or unable to attend in-lab sleep studies.

• Seek Cost-Effective Solutions: Offers a more affordable alternative to traditional polysomnography.

• Require Multi-Night Evaluation: Suitable for users needing assessments over multiple nights for accurate diagnosis.

Why Is the NightOwl® Home Sleep Test Effective?

The effectiveness of the NightOwl® device stems from its advanced features:

• Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (PAT): Measures changes in peripheral arterial tone to detect sleep disturbances.

• Photoplethysmography (PPG): Monitors blood oxygen levels and heart rate variability during sleep.

• Actigraphy: Tracks body movements to determine sleep patterns and disturbances.

• Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) Calculation: Provides a standardized measure of sleep apnea severity.

• Wireless and Compact Design: Ensures minimal disruption to natural sleep, enhancing data accuracy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using NightOwl®

✅ Step 1: Place Your Order

Visit Shutize.com to begin. You'll be asked to complete a brief medical questionnaire that helps our licensed providers assess your symptoms and confirm if the NightOwl® test is right for you. This step ensures clinical oversight and fast approval, often within the same day.

Once approved, your test is processed and shipped directly to your door. No appointments or phone calls needed, everything is done online.

✅ Step 2: Receive the Device

Your home sleep test device will typically arrive within 2–3 business days. Inside the kit, you'll find:

• The NightOwl® sensor (already pre-charged)

• Skin-safe finger adhesives

• A QR code linking to setup instructions

• Quick-start card and support info

The package is discreet, compact, and ready to use the night it arrives.

✅ Step 3: Set Up the App

Download the NightOwl Companion App from your smartphone's app store. The app is available for both iOS and Android:

• Apple App Store 

• Google App Store 

Once downloaded:

1. Create your NightOwl® account with a valid email.

2. Enable permissions for Bluetooth, storage, and notifications.

3. Pair the device by holding it close to your phone and following on-screen instructions.

The app provides step-by-step guidance and even alerts you if something isn't set up correctly.

✅ Step 4: Attach the Device

Before bed, clean and dry the tip of your non-dominant index finger. Peel the adhesive backing and place the device snugly on top of your finger, securing it with the adhesive.

Pro tips for comfort:

• Avoid placing it too close to your fingertip to maintain circulation.

• Don't over tighten the adhesive. Just enough to keep it secure.

Once attached, launch the app to start the test. A progress bar will confirm everything is working before you fall asleep.

✅ Step 5: Conduct the Test While You Sleep

Wear the NightOwl® throughout the night. It quietly captures vital data including:

• Breathing patterns

• Oxygen saturation

• Pulse rate

• Movement

Since it's completely wireless, you can turn, shift, and sleep naturally without worrying about tangled wires or discomfort. You'll barely notice it's there.

✅ Step 6: Sync and Submit Your Data

When you wake up, open the app and select “End Test”. The data will automatically sync via Bluetooth and upload securely to Shutize's cloud-based system.

You'll receive on-screen confirmation once the upload is complete. If needed, the app will guide you through any troubleshooting, such as retrying the upload or reconnecting your device.

✅ Step 7: Get Your Results

Your test data is reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician. Within 1–2 business days, you'll receive a full sleep report detailing:

• Sleep apnea severity (if present)

• Oxygen desaturation events

• Sleep quality and disruptions

• AHI score and clinical notes

You can access the report via the Shutize portal or app, and it's written in easy-to-understand  language with visual charts.

✅ Step 8: Schedule Your Telehealth Consultation

Once you receive your results, Shutize will guide you to book a video consultation with a licensed sleep provider. During this visit, you'll:

• Review your NightOwl® report in detail

• Discuss symptoms, lifestyle, and sleep habits

• Learn about next steps, including possible treatment options like CPAP, lifestyle changes, or follow-up testing

It's your chance to ask questions and fully understand what your results mean, for sleep apnea and other sleep concerns.

FAQs

Can I reuse the NightOwl® device for another night?
The NightOwl® device is fully disposable and designed for single-patient use. However, it can be used for multiple nights—up to 10–14 nights—allowing for comprehensive data collection over several nights without the need for returning or cleaning the device. 

What if the device disconnects during the night?
If the sensor becomes detached or loses connection, the NightOwl® app will alert you. You can simply reattach the device and restart the test. If issues persist, Shutize's support team is available to assist you.

Is the NightOwl® sleep test accurate?
Yes. The NightOwl® utilizes clinical-grade technology, including peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), to collect data. It is FDA-cleared and has been validated against traditional in-lab sleep studies for diagnosing sleep apnea and other disorders.

Do I need a smartphone to use the device?
Yes, a compatible smartphone (iOS or Android) is required to download the NightOwl® app, pair the device, and submit your results. If you don't have a smartphone, please contact Shutize to discuss alternative options.

How long should I wear the device each night?
You should wear the device for a full night's sleep, ideally 6–8 hours, to ensure accurate data collection.

Can I move around while wearing it?
Absolutely. The NightOwl® is wire-free and lightweight, allowing you to sleep in any position without discomfort or tangled wires.

What types of sleep disorders does it detect?
While primarily used to test for sleep apnea at home, the NightOwl® also helps identify other issues like frequent awakenings, poor oxygen saturation, irregular sleep cycles, and disrupted breathing patterns.

What happens after I get my results?
After your report is ready, you'll be invited to a telehealth consultation with a licensed provider who will explain your results and discuss potential next steps, including treatment options or further testing.

Why Choose Shutize for Your Home Sleep Test?

Shutize offers a modern, affordable way to diagnose sleep problems from the comfort of your own bed. From easy online ordering to expert clinical guidance, everything is designed to minimize stress and maximize convenience. Our process is fast, our support is personal, and your sleep health is our priority. Whether you're testing for sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, we deliver clarity, quickly and compassionately.

Ready to test your sleep at home?
Order your NightOwl® home sleep test today and sleep with confidence. 

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