Sleep Studies

A sleep study is the observation of what happens to your body during sleep and assists in determining the cause of a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, excessive snoring, hypopnea, night terrors, sleep walking or talking, and bedwetting. Many disease processes can cause these sleep disorders or the disease itself can be aggravated by abnormal sleep. The following are just a few examples of complicating diagnoses that can be caused by or aggravate sleep disorders: Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Heart Arrhythmias, Respiratory Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Depression, Parkinson's Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain Disorders, etc...

Where are the Studies Performed?

Sleep studies are typically performed in a sleep laboratory (similar to your bedroom or a hotel room) of a sleep disorder center and in some cases a hospital. Rarely, can a sleep study outside this controlled environment give as accurate results and therefore is not recommended.

Common Sleep Studies Include:

  • (PSG) Polysomnogram
    This test is to observe and record how your body functions throughout the sleep cycle. It records brain activity, eye movement, blood levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate and rhythm, snoring, air flow through the nose and mouth, body and extremity movements, and chest and belly movements. This is the most commonly ordered test.
  • (MSLT) Multiple Sleep Latency Test
    This test is to observe and record how long it takes to fall asleep and body and extremity movements while sleeping. With this test you will stay all night and part of the next day. The MSLT starts after your night time sleep test. You will take naps every 2 hours and will be allowed to sleep for approximately 15 minutes before being woken up. You will then try to stay awake for the time between naps. The time it takes to fall asleep will be recorded with most of the same computerized equipment and electrode attachments used with the PSG study.
  • (MWT) Multiple Wakefulness Test
    With this test you will need to stay a full night and part of the next day. You will try and stay awake during the test and the observations will be recorded. The findings are recorded using most of the same computerized equipment and electrodes used with the PSG study.

How will the Test Feel?

The tests are painless, although it may feel weird hooked up to the sleep testing equipment. You may feel you will not be able to relax the same as at home in your own bed. Don't worry; the test results will be accurate. The sleep technologist understands your sleep will not be exactly the same, but this will not cause a problem for the type of test performed. Just try and relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

How to Prepare for a Sleep Study

You should keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks prior to your sleep study. It is important to follow your regular sleep routine prior to the study, but you should avoid taking naps for several days prior to the test. You do not want to be too rested or too fatigued before your test.

Your doctor may want you to stop taking some of your medications before the sleep study. So, it is important to tell the doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking. Especially any prescribed medications from other physicians or over the counter sedatives and remedies.

All food, candy, and drinks containing caffeine (coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolate, weight-loss products, etc...) should be strictly avoided for 2 to 3 days prior to your sleep study.

You need to take a bath or shower and wash your hair before your sleep study; this is to remove all oils and products on your body and in your hair. These may interfere with obtaining accurate information during your study.

Please do not re-apply sprays, oils, or gels to your hair. Please remove fingernail polish or fake nails and do not wear makeup. Electrodes will be attached to some points around the face and on the scalp as well as a sensor placed on your fingers.

What to Bring to the Sleep Study

Bring a small overnight bag with you containing your toothbrush, comb, brush, shaving gear, your favorite pillow and/or blanket, and maybe a book to help you relax. You can bring your regular sleep clothes. You will not be wearing a gown. Many patients come to the sleep center already dressed for sleep and leave directly after the study to go home and change for their regular daily activities. It is your choice.

You should have received forms and questionnaires to fill out prior to your appointment. It is important to bring these with you at the time of your study. The forms and questionnaires give the doctor and technologist important information about your sleep habits, general health, and speed-up the sleep study process, if they are filled out in advance.

Important Information about Sleep Disorders

Before the advent of the electric light bulb and home electricity the average American slept 10 hours per day. Now with the American fast paced life style and work ethic the average American sleeps less than 7 hours a night during the week.

It is estimate 1in 3 of all Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, often without knowing. Almost 66% of this statistic suffers from a chronic sleep disorder affecting their lives in more ways than they or their doctors realize.

The occurrences and effects of sleep disorders increase with age. At present 50% of adult Americans, 65 years of age and older, suffer from sleep disorders. Consequently, a conservative estimate of 80 million people will suffer from sleep disorders by the year 2010.

Sleep disorders are not only common in adults, but about 25% of children between the ages of 1-5 have sleep disturbances.

Nearly $16 billion dollars (and growing) is added to the national healthcare costs each year because of sleep disorders. If that were not serious enough, the National Sleep Foundation estimates over $100 billion dollars of lost productivity due to sick leave, fatigue, medical costs, injuries, behavior problems, and property and environmental damage from sleep related issues.

The National Sleep Foundation' 2001 Sleep in America poll indicates 70% of the people responding to the poll experience frequent sleep problems and yet most have not been diagnosed with a sleep disorder.

Drowsy drivers account for more than 100,000 reported motor vehicle accidents per year. According to the National Highway Traffic Association over 1500 fatalities and 70,000 injuries and disabilities are attributed to sleep disorders per year.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in America. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty falling back asleep after awakening, frequent awakenings throughout the night, non-refreshed sleep, waking to early, and just poor quality sleep.

Sleep Apnea is the second most common and a potential life threatening sleep disorder. It is characterized by disruption or periodic cessation of normal breathing during sleep, being awoken gasping for air, and snoring. Some of the effects or associated diseases of sleep apnea are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attach, stroke, mental impairment, congestive heart failure, and accidental injuries.

Narcolepsy is an inadequately explained sleep disorder involving the nervous system. The most distinct characteristic of narcolepsy is an overwhelming daytime sleepiness unrelated to the patient's quality of sleep. Episodes of narcolepsy are called sleep attacks and can happen at any time. These episodes or sleep attacks can be irresistible and can occur multiple times a day.

(RLS) Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by the irresistible need for an individual to move his or her legs to relieve tingling sensations, creepy crawly sensations, the feeling of pulling muscles, and or the sensation of pain. Some individuals experience these sensations in their arms as well as from the waist down to their feet. It is not uncommon to feel these sensations in just the calves or in just one extremity. The sensations can occur when the individual lies down or sits for prolonged periods of time.

Some Common Symptoms of Sleep Disorders

  • Snoring
  • Fatigue
  • Morning Headaches
  • Gasping for Breath (Periodically)
  • Awoke Gasping for Breath
  • Overweight
  • Difficult with Staying Alert
  • Difficulty with Concentration
  • Dry Mouth in the Morning or After Sleep
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep
  • Difficulty with Relaxation
  • Overactive Thoughts not Allowing Sleep
  • Difficulty Falling Back Asleep
  • Waking Multiple Times a Night
  • Waking too Early in the Morning
  • Lie Awake for More than 20 Minutes Before Falling Asleep
  • Difficulty Concentrating at Work or School
  • Have Fallen Asleep While Driving
  • Feeling Dazed or Confused Often
  • Falling Asleep at Inappropriate Times (Social Events, Movies, at a Party, etc...)
  • Sleep Attacks (Unable to Resist Falling Asleep)
  • Fatigued Even After a Full Nights Sleep
  • Can Not Keep Legs from Moving When Lying Down or Sitting for Prolonged Periods

If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, please call our office for a Sleep Consultation with our Neurologis,t a Board Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist.

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