Sleep Studies
What you need to know about your night at the sleep lab.
The sleep specialists at United Sleep Medicine or your personal physician have instructed you to get a sleep study to evaluate your quality of sleep. It is very important that you come to the sleep study and follow up with your physician after it has been completed so that he/she can discuss your results and various treatment plans.
The sleep technicians at the sleep center go out of their way to make your feel comfortable and relaxed. A sleep study does not hurt. It is very much like going to a hotel for an overnight visit! There will be sensors placed on your skin and belts will be placed around your waist and that's it! No pain!
Most everyone falls asleep with little or no trouble. While you might not sleep as well as you do at home, that usually does not affect the results of the study. In most cases you do not need a full 8 hours of sleep to detect the source of your sleep problems. The next morning you are able to return to normal activities with no problem.
CLICK HERE for "What to expect at the Sleep Lab"
CLICK HERE for the "Preparations" you will need to make prior to coming in for our visit.
What happens after the study:
After you have the overnight or daytime study performed you will have a follow-up visit with the Sleep Physician to go over in detail your study results. This appointment is usually about one week after your test. During this visit a treatment plan will be discussed.
What kinds of sleep studies are there?
There are several types of sleep studies, most common are listed below with basic definitions for your understanding.
Polysomnogram (PSG): The PSG is the most common sleep study that takes place in our sleep center labs. The PSG monitors multiple activities including; Snoring or vibrating of the throat during sleep, EEG monitors brain waves, EKG monitors heart activity, EMG monitors muscle movements during sleep, your respiratory airflow and effort are monitored by the mouth, nose, chest, and abdomen, EOG monitors eye movements and lastly the pulse oximetry monitors oxygen levels during sleep.
Titration Study: The CPAP or PAP Titration study is most commonly the second study most patients have in our sleep centers. This study is used to titrate the settings on your CPAP or BiPap machines to ensure the proper airflow for each individual need.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): The MSLT starts with a PSG followed by a full day in the sleep lab to monitor a persons ability to stay awake during the day. This is used to measure a persons excessive daytime sleepiness. This is a study that lasts over night and until 5pm the next day.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): The MWT begins with a PSG followed by a full day at the sleep lab to monitor a persons ability to stay awake during the day. This study is used for those suspected in having narcolepsy.
F.A.S.T. (First Apnea Screening Tool)
Home Sleep Testing: The F.A.S.T. Home Sleep Test is for patients that have a moderate to severe pretest probability for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and have no co-morbid medical or sleep disorders such as: Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Pulmonary Disease (asthma), Insomnia, Restless Leg or Periodic Limb Movement Syndromes, and Narcolepsy. The F.A.S.T. Home Sleep Testing device is easy to use and patients will enjoy the chance to screen for sleep apnea in the comfortable surroundings of home. This test is not for everyone and is only used as a test to monitor very basic sleep activities. Having a home sleep test does not mean you will not have to come to the sleep center for an overnight study.
Click Here for a Sleep Screen to see if you qualify for a Home Sleep Test!
If you would like more detailed information on sleep disorders and how they can impact your sleep and your life, contact the caring team at
United Sleep Medicine
888-876-0129
(704) 37 SLEEP or 377-5337
to schedule a consultation with a
sleep specialist.
Here are what some of our patients
are saying...
"I really enjoyed having Victoria as my sleep tech. She is very friendly and fun to work with! If I have to come back I want to be scheduled on a night she is working"
...Pamela, Sleep Study in December 2009
"Treva is an Excellent Sleep Tech! She is friendly and takes time with the patient"
...Tara, Sleep Study Feb. 2010
"Robert was very professional and kind. He took the time to answer all of my son's questions and concerns. When he came into the room during the night he did not wake either of us"
... Anonymous, Sleep Study Jan. 2010
