Sleep Study

Hello, Tonight I want to talk about sleep study or a polysomnography sleep study (PSG). To get a PSG you must be tested at a sleep study clinic. Sleep study clinics have a polysomnogram that records data while you sleep by attaching electronic transmitters to your face and scalp. The recordings or sleep study scoring will determine if you have a sleep disorder.

There are four types of sleep disorder study:

1. Diagnostic Overnight PSG; Study of sleep by brain wave, eye movement and number of arousals, etc. to determine the amount of non-REM and REM sleep. This sleeping study also monitors body functions including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythms and leg/arm movements.

2. Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) This sleep research study diagnoses narcolepsy and measures restlessness, sleepiness during the hours you are awake. This study of sleep is usually done after a PSG test and will conclude if you fall asleep easily during the day and monitors how often you enter REM sleep.

3. Two-night Evaluation PSG and CPAP Titration; a sleep apnea study CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure involves using a specially designed nasal mask that evaluates the delivery of air into the airways. The first night is general monitoring to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The OSA sleep study will show if you stop breathing during your sleep. The second night is required to see if CPAP pressure will alleviate apnea.

4. Split-night PSG with CPAP Titration; Instead of two consecutive nights this test splits one night in half. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea with the first half of the study then the second have they will use the mask to determine the CPAP pressure required to lessen your sleep apnea.

When you arrive at the sleep center you will be assigned a private room that may appear to look like a bedroom. It will have a nice bed, coffin or a coffin couch. (which I prefer) This room is a central monitoring area where technicians will record and analyzes you while you sleep. There you will be hooked up to the monitor. Electrodes will be attached to your face and scalp so that your electrical signals will be sent to the measuring equipment. An Oximeter will be put on your finger to calculate the oxygen level in your blood and a strap will be placed around your chest to measure your breathing. All the machines and wirers may look intimidating and uncomfortable, but most patients fall asleep without any problems.

There are other tests and scoring sleeping studies such as:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure and record brain wave activity.
• EMG (electromyogram) to record muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements. It also helps in determining the presence of REM stage sleep.
• EOG (electro-oculogram) to record eye movements. These movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep.
• EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm.
• Nasal Airflow Sensor to record airflow.
• Snore Microphone to record snoring activity.

Other sleep studies are the MSLT test or multiple sleep latency test which evaluates how long it takes you to fall asleep and the MWT test or multiple wake test that measures whether you can stay awake during your normal waking hours.

Sometimes you may have shift work sleep disorder and your internal clock or circadian rhythm is causing you to become restless during the day. A home sleep study test called Actigraphy, a device that looks like a watch, will assess your movement during night and day. It will help your doctor to determine what times during the day you are active and what times you are sleeping. Aren't most of us sleeping during the day?

Before you have a sleep study test your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary for 1 or 2 weeks. Try to adhere to your normal routine for a more accurate record. 2 or 3 days before the test do not take any naps, stop taking any drugs such as sleeping aides, don’t drink or eat anything with caffeine.

On the day of the test take a shower but do not put anything is your hair like hair spray or hair gel. Some of the test equipment will be attached to your face and fingers so no makeup, fingernail polish or fake nails. Pack a small sleepover bag; bring a book, pjs, dirt or your favorite pillow if you like.

All pertinent forms should be completed prior to the sleep study test day. Make sure you complete and answer all answers honestly this will help your doctor to diagnosis your sleep disorder accurately. And above all else ask questions and discuss concerns with your doctor.

Sleep studies are usually done at a sleep clinic and your results should be available within 1-2 weeks. Depending on the diagnosis your results may be sent to your family physician, a neuorologist or a doctor that specializes in sleep disorders. I don't know about you, but all this boring sleep study talk is making me tired.

Good Evening,
Rose Sheepskill