Types of Sleep Studies:

Diagnostic Polysomnography (PSG):

Polysomnography is used to diagnose, or rule out, many types of sleep disorders including Narcolepsy, Restless Legs Syndrome, REM Behavior Disorder, Parasomnias, and Sleep Apnea. PSG is often ordered for patients with complaints of daytime fatigue or sleepiness that may be caused by interrupted sleep. The test consists of a continuous recording from 6 to 8 hours and occurring during a patient's typical sleep hours. The parameters are monitored using a Philips Respironics Healthdyne model Alice 5 computerized polygraph. A polysomnogram typically records a minimum of eleven channels requiring a minimum of 22 wire attachments to the patient. Two channels are for the EEG, one or two measure airflow, one is for chin movements, one or more for leg movements, two for eye movements (EOG), one for heart rate and rhythm, one for oxygen saturation and one each for the belts which measure chest wall movement and upper abdominal wall movement.

The Sleep Study recording is interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Specialist who will determine the diagnosis and provide a treatment recommendation. Please see our panel of Board Certified Sleep Physicians in the Our Physicians section.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration:

If a patient is diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea during a diagnostic polysomnogram then a CPAP titration may need to be performed. CPAP is initiated and the pressure is increased by the technician until your breathing and body oxygen is normalized and Obstructive Apnea has been eliminated, especially while supine and during REM sleep when sleep apnea tend to be at its most severe.

PSG with CPAP Titration (Split Night Polysomnogram)

PSG with CPAP trial is a combination test which incorporates diagnostic study and CPAP titration in one night. Split Night Polysomnogram is conducted when mild, moderate or severe Sleep Apnea has been discovered or strongly suspected during the first part of the study. If there is time, the second half of the night is then used for CPAP Titration.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MSLT is usually performed during the day following after your sleep study. The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a sleep disorder diagnostic tool. It can be used to test for Narcolepsy. It is used to measure the time it takes from the start of a daytime nap period to the first stage of sleep, called sleep latency. The test consists of 4 to 5 nap opportunities occurring every 2 hours lasting approximately 20-35 minutes following the PSG.

Maintainence of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is usually performed during the day followed after an overnight sleep study. The (MWT) is used to measure how alert you are during the day. It shows whether or not you are able to stay awake for a defined period of time. This is an indicator of how well you are able to function and remain alert in quiet times of inactivity. A series of four tests are taken at 2 hours intervals. Each test requires the patient to sit in a chair for 40 minutes and try to remain awake.