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If you have been suspected or diagnosed with a sleep disorder, your Physician may refer you to a sleep lab where you will participate in a Sleep Study.

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Sleep study

WHAT IS A SLEEP STUDY?

The medical term for sleep study is “polysomnogram,” which is a noninvasive, pain-free procedure that usually requires spending a night or two in a sleep facility. During a polysomnogram, a sleep technologist records multiple biological functions during sleep, such as brain wave activity, eye movement, muscle tone, heart rhythm and breathing via electrodes and monitors placed on the head, chest and legs. It provides data that is essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related disorders.

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WHY IS IT DONE?

Sleep study is done to find sleep problems, including:

 

  • Sleep apnea or pauses in breathing

  • Excessive snoring

  • Insomnia

  • Narcolepsy

  • Heart rhythm problems

  • Periodic limb movement disorder

  • Shift work sleep disorder or other circadian rhythm problems

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HOW IS IT DONE?

For a polysomnogram (PSG) study, small metal discs called electrodes will be placed on your head and body with a small amount of glue and tape. (The glue washes off easily after the test.) The skin is not punctured.

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When you arrive at the sleep laboratory you will meet with a Sleep Technologist who will go over your medical and sleep history. You will be checked into one of our comfortable sleep study rooms furnished with a bed, chair, dresser and

shower facilities. You will be asked to change into your night clothes . After changing, the Sleep Technologist will connect you to the electrodes that will record your brain waves and muscle movements throughout the night. The hook-up will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to do.

 

Six (6) electrodes attached to the scalp to monitor brain activity. The patient’s eye movements are measured by placing snap electrodes near the outer edge of each eye. Some electrodes will be placed on your chin, nose, chest, and legs. You will be observed on a video monitor during the night to allow the sleep technologist to note your breathing and body movements during sleep.

 

When everything is placed and working properly, the lights will be turned off for you to be able to fall asleep. While you are sleeping, the sleep technologist will be in the control room to monitor your brain waves to

determine when you are awake or asleep, your respiration when you have sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep parameters. You will be monitored overnight for 6-8 hours.

 

You will be awakened by the Sleep Technologist at around 5 or 6AM to remove all the electrodes. You may take a shower before you leave. You will be able to leave the Sleep Lab around 6AM. You will need to make an appointment with your physician to review the results of your study. You will be asked to complete a survey concerning your sleep the previous night, and then you can go home. Based on the results of your sleep study, you may come back for another night for a treatment study.

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