Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of Americans, yet many people go undiagnosed because the traditional path to diagnosis can feel overwhelming. For years, sleep studies conducted overnight in a clinical setting were the gold standard. However, a more accessible alternative is now gaining momentum: the digital sleep interview.
At Konk Sleep, patients can receive an online sleep evaluation from the comfort of their own home. This modern, virtual-first model is designed for comfort, convenience, and speed. But how does it compare to the traditional sleep study? And more importantly, which one is right for you?
What’s the Difference Between a Sleep Interview and a Sleep Study?
Both a sleep interview and a sleep study are designed to evaluate your risk of sleep apnea, but they approach it in very different ways.
- A traditional sleep study (polysomnography) is typically performed overnight at a sleep lab or hospital. Patients are connected to monitoring equipment that tracks everything from breathing patterns and oxygen levels to brain waves and muscle movement. These studies are overseen by sleep specialists and used to diagnose a wide range of sleep disorders.
- A digital sleep interview, like the one offered by Konk Sleep, is conducted virtually by a licensed primary care provider. Instead of spending a night in a lab, patients complete a detailed evaluation from the comfort of their own homes. This includes a comprehensive review of symptoms, health history, and risk factors for sleep apnea.
While a lab-based study gathers direct physical data, a sleep interview uses clinical insight and evidence-based criteria to assess the likelihood of OSA. For many people with moderate to high risk, a well-structured interview may be enough to start treatment.
Why Virtual Evaluations Offer Greater Convenience and Speed
One of the primary reasons people delay seeking help for sleep issues is the inconvenience of the traditional diagnostic process. Between long waitlists, high costs, and uncomfortable overnight stays, it’s no wonder many people avoid it altogether.
This is where a virtual sleep evaluation truly stands out.
- No travel, no overnight stay, and no time off work: the entire process is conducted from the comfort of your home.
- Fast turnaround: most patients at Konk Sleep receive a diagnosis within 1 to 2 business days after completing their interview.
- Accessible care: licensed internal medicine providers evaluate your symptoms using structured clinical guidelines.
- Cost-effective options: with HSA/FSA acceptance and affordable monthly payment plans, care is within reach for more people.
If you’ve been avoiding a sleep test because of time, cost, or discomfort, a sleep interview offers a low-barrier alternative that can put answers in your hands quickly.
When a Sleep Interview May Be All You Need to Get Started
A common misconception is that every person with sleep concerns needs an in-lab test. However, in many cases, especially when symptoms clearly indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a detailed interview with a trained healthcare provider is an appropriate first step.
You might benefit from a digital sleep interview if:
- You frequently wake up feeling unrefreshed or exhausted
- Your partner reports loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing during sleep
- You experience daily brain fog, mood changes, or lack of focus
- You have high blood pressure, weight challenges, or other OSA risk factors
Konk Sleep’s providers are experienced in identifying these patterns. If your evaluation indicates sleep apnea, you’ll be guided toward a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, including auto-adjusting CPAP therapy that ships directly to your door.
For patients with complex medical conditions (such as heart failure or neurologic disorders), a traditional sleep study may still be recommended. But for the majority of adults experiencing typical symptoms of OSA, a virtual evaluation can be an effective and efficient way to get started.
Start Your Sleep Evaluation with Konk Sleep
If you’ve been putting off answers about your sleep, now is the time to act. Konk Sleep makes it easy to take the first step from home, without the wait or stress of a sleep lab.
Get started with a virtual sleep interview and discover if sleep apnea is disrupting your sleep. With expert-led care, flexible payment options, and fast results, better sleep is just a few clicks away.