Polysomnography is a sleep study. A sleep study is non-invasive and painless. A sleep study monitors you as you sleep and measures your oxygen levels, body positions, brain waves, breathing patterns, eye movements, muscle activity and heart rate.
Sleep studies are usually performed at night but can be performed during the day to accommodate shift workers. Sleep studies are performed to help diagnose sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, parasomnias and other disorders that disrupt sleep. Additional EEG monitoring can be done to evaluate for nocturnal seizures.
During the study, large amounts of data are collected about your sleep. The high volume of information is analyzed and interpreted. We perform the analysis and interpretation prior to producing a final report. The final report is sent to your referring provider.
CPAP or BIPAP is the primary treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. This study is performed after the diagnosis of sleep apnea is made. In cases of severe sleep apnea, CPAP or BIPAP may be used during the initial sleep study. CPAP is applied by wearing a small mask over the nose. Pressurized air is used to help regulate breathing and control periods of apnea. During a CPAP/BIPAP titration study the pressure is gradually increased over the course of the night until adequate control of breathing disturbances is reached. The setting determined by the titration study will be used when CPAP/BIPAP therapy in the home begins.
A home sleep test is a diagnostic test that can determine whether or not you have obstructive sleep apnea. Home sleep testing is intended specifically to evaluate patients without co-morbidities ( ie: without neurologic, cardiac or significant pulmonary disorders) who are considered to be at moderate to high risk for sleep apnea.
This study is a series of naps taken at 2-hour intervals and is performed following a nocturnal sleep study. The study is performed during the day and is used to determine how long it takes you to fall asleep. This is a specialized study used to help in the diagnosis of narcolepsy or other disorders of excessive sleepiness. This type of testing requires a referral to a sleep specialist prior to testing.
The study is performed during the day after a restful night’s sleep. This study is used to measure how alert you are and how well you are able to resist sleep in a dark, quiet place. The MWT can be used to see if someone is responding to treatment of a sleep disorder and can be used to help judge whether a patient is too tired to drive or perform other daily tasks. This type of testing requires a referral to a sleep specialist prior to testing.
The CPAP clinic provides one on one education and training for patients using CPAP and BIPAP equipment. Our education program includes:
- Introduction to PAP therapy
- Mask selection
- Mask desensitization and problem solving
- Compliance checks
- Follow-up visits to assure or verify all is going well with equipment