Sleep Study: Introduction
A sleep study is a test that measures your body’s activity during sleep, to determine whether you have a sleep disorder, how severe it is, and how it is affecting your body. Because people are usually unaware of their breathing and movements during sleep, they may never think to ask their doctor about sleep related problems. However, untreated sleep disorders can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other medical conditions. Talk with your doctor if you snore regularly, or if you feel very tired while at work or at school. You may also have a sleep disorder if you have trouble falling asleep, if you have trouble staying asleep, or if you wake up too early and cannot get back to sleep. Sleep disorders can be treated. With the help of sleep studies and other medical tests, , your doctor can assist you in diagnosing sleep problems, and get you back on the road to a good night’s sleep.
Sleep Study: Overview
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, or PSG, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your physician will likely order this study. In fact, a sleep study is required to make the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Furthermore, this test will determine the severity of your problem. The sleep study is a non-invasive and painless test. Monitors are placed on a patient to evaluate and record brainwaves, eye movement, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing rate and muscle tone while you sleep. All of this information provides a comprehensive evaluation of your sleep. Traditionally, sleep studies are performed in a sleep center. These centers are often designed to resemble a hotel room to provide a comfortable sleep environment. Each room is private and you are monitored by a sleep technologist throughout the night. In the morning, you return home and your physician will interpret the data recorded during the night. These “in-lab” studies are the most accurate type of sleep testing and may be required for patients with serious health conditions. Home sleep studies are an alternative option for patients who do not want to sleep in a lab or if their insurance does not cover an “in-lab” sleep study. In addition, it may be easier for a patient to fall asleep in their own bed. If you are scheduled for a home sleep study, you will need to pick up the equipment from the sleep center. While at the center, you will meet with a sleep technologist to learn how to properly place the sensors and start the study. In the morning, you will return the equipment to the sleep center. Your physician will then analyze the data.
Speak with your physician to determine which type of sleep test is best for you.
Sleep Study: At Home
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, or PSG, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your physician will likely order this study. In fact, a sleep study is required to make the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Furthermore, this test will determine the severity of your problem. The sleep study is a non-invasive and painless test. Monitors are placed on a patient to evaluate and record brainwaves, eye movement, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing rate and muscle tone while you sleep. All of this information provides a comprehensive evaluation of your sleep. Home sleep studies are an alternative option for patients who do not want to sleep in a lab or if their insurance does not cover an “in-lab” sleep study. In addition, it may be easier for a patient to fall asleep in their own bed. If you are scheduled for a home sleep study, you will need to pick up the equipment from the sleep center. While at the center, you will meet with a sleep technologist to learn how to properly place the sensors and start the study. In the morning, you will return the equipment to the sleep center. Your physician will then analyze the data. Ask your physician if an “at home” sleep test is right for you
Sleep Study: In Lab
A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, or PSG, is considered the gold standard for diagnosing sleep apnea. If you have symptoms of sleep apnea, your physician will likely order this study. In fact, a sleep study is required to make the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Furthermore, this test will determine the severity of your problem. The sleep study is a non-invasive and painless test. Monitors are placed on a patient to evaluate and record brainwaves, eye movement, heart rate, oxygen levels, breathing rate and muscle tone while you sleep. All of this information provides a comprehensive evaluation of your sleep. Traditionally, sleep studies are performed in a sleep center. These centers are often designed to resemble a hotel room to provide a comfortable sleep environment. Each room is private and you are monitored by a sleep technologist throughout the night. In the morning, you return home and your physician will interpret the data recorded during the night. These “in-lab” studies are the most accurate type of sleep testing and may be required for patients with serious health conditions. Ask your physician if an “in lab” sleep test is right for you
Vignette: Sleep Study Test
Has your snoring been getting worse? Do you often feel tired during the day? If so, you might benefit from a Sleep Study. Learn how a sleep study can lead to restful nights and productive days.