Noise reduction shades are an aid for sound sleep

Home testing devices for a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are expected to become more widely available with physician reimbursements for the devices starting after the first of the new year.

The American Medical Association has announced a new CPT (current procedural code), which provides uniform information about healthcare services to medical providers, will go into effect for home diagnostic tools on January 1, 2011.

Available as both a wrist-worn device and finger-mounted probe, the home tests are significantly less expensive than sleep lab testing, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which named the devices among the best medical innovations this year.

OSA is estimated to affect more than 28 million people in the U.S., and can lead to heart ailments and stroke. Internists, cardiologists and family care physicians are expected to be among those who will order the devices for diagnosis of the condition.

The addition of noise reduction shades to a bedroom are another aid to getting a good night's sleep. They can block sound from traffic, nearby trains or neighborhood noise that cause people to wake easily.