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A sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) is a test that records your physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. It provides data that are essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints, such as identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior.

Arriving at the sleep lab and initial paperwork:

If your physician feels you need a sleep study you will make an appointment for a test that will take place at night in the sleep center. After your arrive at the sleep center, you will be asked to complete questionnaires on your sleep the night before and a brief sleep history. Many sleep centers offer a video or other information about the sleep study or specific disorders such as sleep apnea, since a significant percentage of those who have sleep tests are suspected to have sleep apnea. The video may also address what you should expect during the sleep test to ease any concerns that you may have. Then you will be asked to change into nightclothes.

Applying electrodes:

After changing, the polysomnographic technologist will connect you to the electrodes that will record your brain waves and muscle movements throughout the night. This will not hurt or break the skin. The electrodes are placed in specific areas and applied with water-soluble gel and tape. The electrodes record brain waves, muscle movement, rapid eye movement (REM), air intake, and periodic limb movement. A microphone attached to your neck records snoring, and two belt-like straps around the chest and lower abdomen monitor muscle movement during breathing. Despite all of the equipment, most people say it doesn’t disrupt their sleep.

Testing electrodes and Monitoring:

After settling into bed, your technician may go to a monitoring room and ask you over an intercom to perform certain tasks that will show the electrodes are recording properly. You will be observed on a television monitor during the night, but that is to allow the technician to note your body movements during sleep.

Follow up:

A follow up appointment with your referring physician may occur after your initial sleep study. If your physician feels you have symptoms requiring a second night in the sleep lab; this may be scheduled prior to your follow up. During the follow up, the physician will discuss results, and may prescribe treatment for a sleep disorder.

List of things to do the day of your test:
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
• Arrive on time, since setup takes some time.
• Bring a pair of comfortable bedclothes. Some patients like to bring their own pillows or blankets as well.
• Bring any medications you are being prescribed or will need to take during the hours you will be at the sleep center.
• Generally, you are asked to obtain a normal nights sleep the night before the test. Do not take naps on this day.

Tags: CPAP, polysomnography, sleep apnea, sleep study, sleep test

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 at 12:51 pm and is filed under Sleep Disorders. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.