Sleep Studies
A Sleep Study or Polysomnogram (PSG) is a test, which electronically records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings become data, which will be analyzed by a qualified physician to determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder. There are a few different kinds of studies that may or may not be ordered by your sleep physician. The following are some that are typically ordered.
Diagnostic Overnight PSG - General monitoring and evaluation without treatment.
Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) - One method used to diagnose Narcolepsy and measure the degree of daytime sleepiness. To ensure accurate results, it is performed on the morning following a Diagnostic Overnight PSG.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) - To diagnose the level of daytime alertness. Scheduled 40 minute sessions where the person is asked to stay awake while sitting quietly in a dimly lit room.
Two Night PSG with CPAP Titration - General monitoring and diagnostic evaluation is conducted on the first night. If Sleep Apnea is seen, the patient returns for a second night to determine an adequate CPAP pressure setting to control sleep apnea.
Split Night PSG with CPAP Titration - Split Night PSG is conducted when moderate or severe Sleep Apnea has been discovered in the first part of the nights study. The second half of the night is used for CPAP Titration.
If needed, the sleep physician will order one or more of these tests at the time of your initial office visit.