Contact: Salimetrics (USA)
- Clinical Laboratory -
Who Should Perform an At-Home Circadian Rhythm Sleep Test?
A circadian rhythm test is ideal for individuals with any of the following:
- A routine (daily) sleep disruption that has lasted for 30 days or longer
- An interest in starting a melatonin supplement or sleep aid
- Sleep-wake disruptions after starting a new medication or sleep routine
- Chronic problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake during the day
- A completely irregular or non-24 sleep-wake cycle
- Inconsistent results with bright light or behavioral sleep therapy
Note: While any chronic sleep disruption can impact the circadian rhythm, this assessment is generally not ideal for evaluating non-circadian sleep disorders, such as: sleep apnea, sleepwalking, sleep paralysis, night terrors, nocturnal panic attacks, limb movement disorders, or certain types of seizures and epilepsy.
How Does At-Home Melatonin Testing Work?
Step 1
Order Your All-Inclusive Collection Kit
Step 2
Collect Saliva Samples in Dim Light
Step 3
Return Samples to Salimetrics Clinical Lab
Step 4
Get Results via HIPAA Compliant Portal
Step 5
Discuss Results with Your Sleep Health Provider
What Does a Circadian Rhythm Sleep Assessment Measure?
This test measures melatonin levels to evaluate your circadian rhythm (biological clock) using timed saliva samples collected in dim light and shipped to our clinical laboratory. Results can be used to determine circadian rhythm alignment/length, overall melatonin production patterns, the impact of medications, supplements, and optimal timing for sleep aids or supplements, all of which can have a significant impact on your sleep-wake cycle. Learn more about melatonin levels testing below.
What is the Benefit of Biological Sampling?
While sensor-based devices can estimate your circadian timing using complex statistical modeling, real-time melatonin levels testing (specifically DLMO) is considered the “gold standard” in accurately determining your body’s actual biological response to sleep timing. Knowing where your sleep-wake rhythm is currently situated before starting any kind of treatment can optimize target treatment and align timed therapeutics with your actual circadian biology.
| Test Features |
Biology of Sleep Assessment |
In-Clinic Sleep Study |
| At-Home assessment |  |
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| No wires, beepers, clamps, cameras, or 1-way mirrors | |
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| Assessment is shipped directly to you | |
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| No scheduling – Start the test as soon as you receive it | |
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| Results within 10 business days | |
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| Data sent to BOTH you and your doctor (if provided) | |
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| 7-9 sample collection time-points | 5-10 minutes per sample (on average) | Overnight stay |
| Cost | $179 | $500-$10,000 (depending on insurance) |
Which Test Should I Take?
You can select an assessment based on a recommendation from your sleep-medicine health provider or use the table below. If your sleep-wake disturbance is more complex or not covered, it may be best to speak with a sleep medicine health provider first or Ask an Expert to request an assessment recommendation.
| Symptom |
Biology of Sleep Assessment |
Collect a Sample |
| Trouble Falling Asleep (within 2 hours of Bedtime) | 7-Sample Onset | Every hour, starting 5 hours before bedtime. |
| Trouble Falling Asleep (within 4 hours of Bedtime) | 9-Sample Onset | Every hour, starting 5 hours before bedtime |
| Trouble Staying Asleep (within 4 hours of Bedtime) | 7-Sample Onset | Every hour, starting 1 hour before bedtime. |
| Trouble Staying Asleep (All Night) | Partial 24-HR Circadian Phase Map | Every 1.5 hours, starting 2 hours before bedtime |
| Trouble Waking Up (within 2 hours of Desired Wake Time) | 7-Sample Offset | Every half-hour, starting at awakening |
| Trouble Staying Awake (within 4 hours of Desired Wake Time) | 7-Sample Offset | Every hour, starting at awakening |
| Trouble Staying Awake (All Day) | Partial 24-HR Circadian Phase Map | Every 1.75 hours, starting 2 hours before awakening |
| Trouble Staying Awake (within 2 hours of Bedtime) | 7-Sample Onset | Every hour, starting 5 hours before bedtime |
| Trouble Staying Awake (within 4 hours of Bedtime) | 9-Sample Onset | Every hour, starting 7 hours before bedtime |
| Irregular Sleep-Wake Routine (varies by more than 1-4 hours every day) | Full 24-HR Circadian Phase Map | Every 2.75 hours, starting at awakening |
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on your preferences, you can set up an affiliate account to order Circadian Phase Collection Kits through your practice OR simply refer patients directly to biologyofsleep.com, and Salimetrics will handle payment processing and drop-ship collection kits directly to your patients.