Testing

Sleep Study FAQs

Baseline Sleep Study (Polysomnography or PSG)

The baseline sleep study is the primary diagnostic procedure which records a variety of body functions during sleep, including electrical activity of the brain, eye movement, chine movement, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing, air flow through the nose and mouth, and blood oxygen levels, chest and abdominal movement and body position during sleep. The sleep study is conducted for a minimum of six hours and is observed by a trained polysomnographic technician.

Titration Sleep Study (PAP Study)

If according to the physician, the patient shows signs of sleep apnea it is necessary to determine the pressure required to alleviate the apneas. During this portion of the study, the same sixteen areas of the body are monitored as during the original study. Prior to the start of the study, the patient is asked to choose from a variety of masks that will be tried throughout the course of the study. The technician will increase the pressure during the study until the apneas are reduced or eliminated. From the results, the physician will be able to determine the optimum pressure.

Split Night Sleep Study (PSG and PAP study)

A split night sleep study is conducted when a doctor requests that if severe apneas are discovered to correct them with PAP therapy during the second half of the study. This is a combination of a PSG and Titration study into one night. However, even if a physician writes a prescription for a Split night sleep study, if the apneas are not moderate to severe, a baseline PSG will be conducted.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

This sleep study is performed during the day and is used to diagnose Narcolepsy and the degree of daytime sleepiness. To ensure accurate results, this study is usually performed following a baseline study. Caffeine intake and sleep patterns should be recorded throughout the week in a sleep log that is provided to the patient.