WHAT IS A SLEEP TEST?

A sleep test, also known as a Polysomnogram, measures bodily functions during sleep. Each test will vary depending on the individual case and some of the measurements taken may include:
Brain Waves (skin, surface electrodes on the end)
Heart Beats (skin, surface on the chest)
Eye movements (skin, surface electrodes above and below the eyes)
Muscle Tension (skin, surface electrodes on the chin
Leg Movements (skin, surface electrodes on the lower leg)
Breathing Effort and Movement (small, elastic gauges placed around the chest or stomach)
Breathing (sensors attached to the ear or finger, and not taken from actual blood samples)

Other bodily functions may be recorded to answer special questions about such things as impotence, chest pain, etc.

WHY RECORD ALL OF THESE THINGS?

During sleep the body functions differently than while awake. Disrupted sleep can disturb daytime activities and sometimes medical problems during sleep involve a risk to basic health.

HOW CAN I SLEEP WITH ALL THESE THINGS ON ME?

Surprisingly, most people sleep very well. The body sensors are applied so that you can turn and move during your sleep. Generally, you will not be aware that you are wearing the devices after they have been on for a short time. Our staff tries to make the environment as comfortable and similar as possible to your home surroundings and many patients report that they actually sleep better here than at home. Remember that this is not a test, but merely a recording of how you sleep.

WILL THE SENSOR DEVICES HURT?

No. Sometimes, in rubbing the skin or putting on the ear device, there are mild and temporary skin irritations. You may also feel a sensation of warmth where the oxygen-measuring device contacts your skin. However, these do not generally cause any significant discomfort. (FEMALES, PLEASE KEEP YOUR INDEX FINGER ON EITHER HAND FREE FROM NAIL POLISH OR ACRYLIC NAILS, AS THIS CAN INTERFERE WITH THE RECORDING OF YOUR OXYGEN LEVELS DURING THE NIGHT)

WILL I BE GIVEN A MEDICATION TO HELP ME SLEEP?

No. In fact, we prefer to the extent if medically possible that you be off sleeping medications for at least eight (8) days prior to coming to the Sleep Lab. Some medications will need to be stopped even longer for the study. It is important not to consume alcohol or caffeinated beverages on the day of the sleep study.

WHAT IS A MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY TEST ( MSLT )?

Some patients also participate in the daytime testing. This test consists of a series of twenty (20) minute naps, in two hour intervals throughout the day, the same kind of information that is measured for a polysomnogram. We ask that you try to go to sleep even if you feel you can’t, and that you remain awake between the nap periods.