Our Sleep Study - Procedure

A diagnostic sleep study at The Sleep Center of Major Hospital consists of a comfortable test that provides necessary information to your physician for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. To complete the test, patients spend one night in a private bedroom suite at our sleep center. Your bedroom suite is a safe,and clean. The atmosphere is warm and serene, with comforts such as a premium bed, high quality bedding and cable TV.

What is a Sleep Study (polysomnogram)?

A sleep study, or a polysomnogram is a recording that contains several types of measurements that are used to identify different sleep stages, monitor breathing, heart rate and body movements and to assist in the diagnosis of various sleep problems.

Various sensors and electrodes are applied to your head and skin to monitor your sleep. Small electrodes are placed on the head, face and legs to determine the stage of sleep and detect movements. A flow sensor is placed beneath the nose and in front of the mouth and a snore microphone is placed on the throat. Electrodes are also placed to monitor heart rhythms. Stretchy elastic belts are placed around the chest and abdomen to record breathing effort. A sensor is placed on your finger to observe oxygen saturation and heart rate.

With certain sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, your physician may also order a sleep study that may involve using CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). The CPAP equipment is a small device that sits on the bedside table that provides pressurized air through tubing attached to a mask-like device. Your technologist will explain in detail the procedure.

Some patients may be scheduled for additional testing throughout the next day (MSLT). This is a series of naps at two-hour intervals to measure daytime sleepiness. Bring something comfortable to wear during these tests. Also, bring reading material or work to keep you occupied during the wake periods. TV is provided.

After the sleep study, our sleep specialists analyze the data collected and a detailed report is prepared that will help your physician diagnose and treat any identified sleep disorders.