About
An in-facility sleep study is used to determine the cause of daytime sleepiness and to diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and periodic limb movements during sleep. It can also be used to determine the best possible settings and methods of treatment when using CPAP.
Our team gives patients a comfortable and private experience – all while taking advantage of the latest technology. It takes approximately one hour to prepare patients for this procedure, attaching sensors to patients with water-soluble paste, gauze, and tape. The electrodes do not pierce the skin.
We perform in-facility sleep studies for patients 13 years of age or older, and parents may stay overnight if they choose to. Each in-facility sleep study is private with a queen sized bed. Outside hallways are illuminated and the laboratory is locked overnight to ensure patient safety.
Patients may read in their private room or watch TV in our lounge until they are ready to go to sleep. Lights out is typically between 8:30am and 11:30pm. Our technologists will monitor and record data throughout the night from a separate room, and patients are typically woken up around 6am.
Diagnostic Studies
Diagnostic sleep studies (Polysomnograms) are performed to diagnose a variety of sleep related disorders and to evaluate the quality of sleep. Depending on the test ordered by a provider, CPAP therapy may be started midway through the study. This will be discussed in detail with the patient by one of our technologists during the appointment.
Therapeutic Studies
Therapeutic studies are performed for the treatment of sleep apnea using PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy. We offer a variety of different styles of masks to allow patients the ability to find the most comfortable option for them during their study.
Multiple Sleep Latency Testing & Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing
Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing (MWT) are sleep studies performed during the day, usually following an overnight, in-facility sleep study. MSLTs are used to diagnose idiopathic hypersomnolence or narcolepsy. MWTs are utilized to determine a patients ability to stay awake.
How to Prepare
We recommend patients eat their usual evening meal before coming in for their in-facility sleep study. We ask that patients avoid caffeine after 2pm, and to take their regular medications unless told otherwise by their provider. To obtain the best results for an in-facility sleep study, electrodes need to be placed on a clean, dry scalp. We ask that hair is clean and product-free on the evening of the test. Beards and mustaches do not interfere with the application of the recording sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend bringing the following items with you to the in-facility sleep testing:
- Up to date insurance information
- List of current medications
- Any medications taken during the night or first thing in the morning
- CPAP mask and headgear if you are currently being treated
- Comfortable pajamas
- Reading material, tablet, laptop, etc.
- Some patients prefer to bring their own blanket/pillow
It can be common to not be able to sleep as well as you normally do at home. A great deal can be learned from just a few hours of sleep. If you are concerned that you will not be able to sleep at all, we recommend discussing this with your provider. Occasionally, a sleep aid will be prescribed for the night of your in-facility sleep study, taken right before going to bed.
You will be free to move from side to side and onto your stomach or back as much as you desire. Some patients may be asked to sleep on their back as requested by the technologist on a case-by-case basis.
It can take a few weeks before a certified sleep provider can render their interpretation of the results after thorough review of the recorded data. The sleep technologist may not discuss test results with you in the morning. Your results will be discussed with you by the provider who ordered the sleep study.