Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

Comprehensive overnight sleep studies to diagnose sleep disorders including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other sleep-related breathing disorders using advanced monitoring technology and expert analysis.

Overnight Study Comfortable Lab Expert Analysis

Understanding Sleep Study

A sleep study (polysomnography) is a comprehensive, non-invasive test that monitors multiple physiological parameters during sleep. It's the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and involves overnight monitoring in a specialized sleep laboratory equipped with advanced technology.

What Does Our Sleep Study Monitor?

Brain Activity (EEG)

Electroencephalography records brain waves to determine sleep stages, REM sleep, and detect seizure activity during sleep.

Eye Movement (EOG)

Electrooculography tracks eye movements to identify REM sleep phases and other sleep-related eye movement disorders.

Muscle Activity (EMG)

Electromyography monitors muscle tension and movement, particularly useful for detecting leg movements and muscle atonia during REM sleep.

Heart Rate & Rhythm (ECG)

Continuous cardiac monitoring to detect arrhythmias and heart rate variability during different sleep stages.

Respiratory Effort & Airflow

Monitors breathing patterns, airflow, chest and abdominal movements to detect sleep-related breathing disorders.

Oxygen Saturation

Pulse oximetry continuously measures blood oxygen levels to detect hypoxemia during sleep.

Sleep Disorders We Diagnose

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Description: Repeated collapse of upper airway during sleep causing breathing interruptions.

Symptoms: Loud snoring, gasping, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating.

Severity Assessment: Mild (5-15 events/hour), Moderate (15-30 events/hour), Severe (>30 events/hour)

Central Sleep Apnea

Description: Brain fails to send proper signals to breathing muscles during sleep.

Symptoms: Observed apneas, awakening with shortness of breath, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness.

Associated Conditions: Heart failure, stroke, high altitude, opioid use

Narcolepsy

Description: Neurological disorder affecting sleep-wake cycles with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Symptoms: Sudden sleep attacks, cataplexy (muscle weakness), sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations.

Testing: Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) following overnight study

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Description: Uncomfortable sensations in legs with irresistible urge to move them.

Symptoms: Leg discomfort worse at rest, temporary relief with movement, symptoms worse in evening.

Impact: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, daytime fatigue

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Description: Misalignment between internal body clock and desired sleep-wake schedule.

Types: Delayed sleep phase, advanced sleep phase, shift work disorder, jet lag disorder.

Assessment: Sleep diary, actigraphy, melatonin level testing

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Description: Loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep allowing dream enactment.

Symptoms: Violent or complex behaviors during sleep, vivid dreams, potential injury to self or partner.

Associations: Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, multiple system atrophy

Sleep Study Procedure

1
Pre-Study Preparation

Instructions: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and daytime naps. Maintain regular sleep schedule for 1-2 weeks before study.

Medications: Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Discuss sleep medications with doctor.

2
Arrival & Setup (Evening)

Check-in: Arrive 1-2 hours before usual bedtime. Complete paperwork and questionnaires.

Room Tour: Familiarize with sleep lab room, bathroom facilities, and emergency procedures.

3
Sensor Application

EEG Electrodes: Multiple electrodes placed on scalp to monitor brain activity during different sleep stages.

Additional Sensors: Eye movement sensors, chin EMG, chest/abdominal belts, nasal airflow sensor, pulse oximeter.

4
Overnight Monitoring

Sleep Period: 7-8 hours of monitoring during natural sleep. Technician monitors from adjacent room.

Interventions: CPAP titration if sleep apnea detected, position changes, sensor adjustments as needed.

5
Morning Procedures

Wake-up: Gentle awakening at predetermined time. Sensor removal and cleanup.

Questionnaires: Sleep quality assessment, symptom evaluation, discharge instructions.

6
Data Analysis & Results

Scoring: Detailed analysis of sleep stages, breathing events, movements, and cardiac activity.

Report: Comprehensive report with diagnosis, severity assessment, and treatment recommendations.

Types of Sleep Studies Available

Diagnostic Sleep Studies:

  • Overnight Polysomnography: Standard diagnostic study for sleep disorders
  • Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): Daytime nap study for narcolepsy diagnosis
  • Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): Ability to stay awake assessment
  • Home Sleep Apnea Testing: Simplified testing for suspected OSA

Therapeutic Sleep Studies:

  • CPAP Titration: Optimal pressure determination for sleep apnea treatment
  • Split-Night Study: Diagnostic study followed by CPAP titration in same night
  • BiPAP Titration: Bilevel positive airway pressure optimization
  • Adaptive Servo-Ventilation: Advanced therapy for complex sleep apnea

Post-Study Care & Follow-up

Important Post-Study Information
  • You may experience some adhesive residue from sensors - gentle cleansing recommended
  • Normal activities can be resumed immediately after study
  • Results typically available within 1-2 weeks after study completion
  • Follow-up appointment scheduled to discuss results and treatment options

Treatment Options Based on Results:

  • CPAP/BiPAP Therapy: Positive airway pressure for sleep apnea
  • Medications: For narcolepsy, RLS, or other sleep disorders
  • Sleep Hygiene: Behavioral modifications and lifestyle changes
  • Weight Management: Dietary counseling and exercise recommendations
  • Surgical Options: For selected cases of sleep apnea

Study Information

  • Duration: 7-8 hours overnight
  • Comfortable sleep laboratory
  • Non-invasive monitoring
  • Expert technician supervision
  • Comprehensive analysis
  • Detailed medical interpretation

What to Bring

  • Comfortable sleepwear
  • Personal toiletries
  • Current medications
  • Reading material or entertainment
  • Insurance card and ID
  • Comfortable slippers

Pre-Study Guidelines

  • No caffeine after 2 PM
  • Avoid alcohol on study day
  • No daytime naps
  • Shower and wash hair (no conditioner)
  • Maintain regular sleep schedule
  • No smoking after 6 PM

Schedule Study

Ready to schedule your comprehensive sleep study? Our expert team will guide you through the process.

Schedule Sleep Study

Expert Sleep Disorder Diagnosis

Comprehensive sleep studies with state-of-the-art monitoring technology, expert analysis, and personalized treatment recommendations for optimal sleep health and quality of life improvement.

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