What is a sleep study?  A sleep study is a clinically controlled monitoring and measurement of your sleep patterns and REM cycles to determine what is causing you to be tired during the day.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

Sleep disorders are the most prevalent health conditions that people ignore. The embarrassment and denial that accompany a sleep disorder cause many to ignore their symptoms. Are you among the millions who are secretly suffering with a sleep disorder? You’re not alone; more than 20 million people in the U.S. let their sleep disorders go without diagnosis. If you allow your condition to advance it will very quickly ruin your health. If you let it go too far, then the measures to correct your problem will become more and more extreme. This is the reason why it is imperative that you seek out a professional diagnosis. Understanding the realities of your condition and what you can do to treat them will greatly put the odds in your favor. Your recovery begins with that first step, making an appointment with a qualified health professional.

You can start by making an appointment with our sleep center. As with any other medical appointment you will be asked a series of questions pertaining to your condition. This helps your doctor get a better idea of what your specific symptoms are and how he can treat them successfully. Once your questionnaire is complete you will have a consultation with the doctor. There you will discuss your symptoms and go over the questionnaire. This is the time to add any information you forgot to mention or that is of particular concern to you.

After the doctor has a full summary of your condition he will make his diagnosis. At this point you may ask questions and get a better understanding of your specific disorder. Depending on what your exact sleep disorder is the doctor will order a round of tests. These tests involve a sleep study where you will be monitored for a set amount of time. This sleep test may be run as a single test or a series involving multiple tests. In general, sleep tests are scheduled overnight. An overnight staff is available to monitor results and conduct the tests. You will be taken to a room with a bed and comfortable surroundings. You will be asked to change into your sleeping clothes as the attendant leaves the room. Once you are done the attendant will return with some equipment.

The equipment used in sleep studies are referred to as Polysomnography. This involves the use of an electroencephalogram or EEG. You will be wired to the EEG machine at several places on your body including your arms, legs, and head. The wires are attached by stickers that are gently placed at the prescribed areas. When connected you will be helped into bed by the attendant and the lights will be turned off. During your sleep the overnight staff will monitor the results of your EEG readings. In the morning the doctor will return and interpret the gathered information. You will be instructed to dress and meet with the doctor for a follow-up consultation.

The results of your study will help the doctor decide on the best course of action for your condition. Your diagnosis will be based on the EEG readings and any anecdotal information provided by the attendant. At this point the doctor may order more studies such as a breathing test, or a treadmill stress test or even another overnight sleep study.