If you've been referred for a home sleep study, you'll likely be using a WatchPAT device. At uNITE Sleep Centers, this is our go-to for at-home testing. It's easy to wear, clinically reliable, and gives providers the data they need to move your care forward.
Here's a deeper look at how it works and what you can expect.
What Is the WatchPAT?
The WatchPAT is a wrist-worn sleep testing device that monitors key vitals and sleep metrics while you rest in your own bed. It uses a comfortable strap around your wrist, a finger sensor, and a chest sensor to gather data.
The device tracks:
• Your breathing and respiratory effort
• Oxygen saturation throughout the night
• Heart rate variability
• Sleep stages (light, deep, and REM)
• Snoring frequency and intensity
• Body position and movement
This test is FDA-cleared and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT), making it trusted for both clinical and occupational screenings.
Why Patients Prefer It
Traditional sleep studies often require an overnight stay, wires, and uncomfortable sensors. WatchPAT is different. There's no need to sleep in a lab, no electrodes on your scalp, and no complicated instructions.
Most patients are surprised by how quick the setup is. When you come to a uNITE clinic, we walk you through a 15-minute orientation and help you download the mobile app. That app walks you through the rest.
What the Process Looks Like
1. Pick up your device
Visit a uNITE Sleep Centers location to get your WatchPAT
2. Complete setup
Our team walks you through setup and helps you install the smartphone app
3. Sleep at home
Wear the WatchPAT for one or two nights in your own bed
4. Return the device
Bring it back to the clinic - no shipping needed
5. Get results
Your test data is analyzed by board-certified sleep physicians and sent to your provider
This process is fast, clear, and requires no direct appointment with a sleep specialist upfront.
The Benefits of At-Home Testing with WatchPAT
• You stay in your own bed, on your own schedule
• The technology is clinically validated and used nationwide
• Your test results are read by a licensed physician, not a computer
• It's often faster than in-lab testing, with fewer delays
Patients often say they barely noticed the device once it was on. More importantly, it gives your doctor the data they need to make informed decisions about your care.