Check out some of the most common sleep study methods used to determine the type and severity of sleep disorder you may have.
A Polysomnogram is a common overnight sleep test that physicians often prescribe to patients with sleep disorders. The polysomnogram, often called a PSG, measures and records activity during sleep. The PSG monitors many body functions such as brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, respiratory airflow, and heart rhythm during sleep. Polysomnograms are used to diagnose or rule out sleeping disorders including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, parasomnias, or other sleep disorders. It is important to remember that a polysomnogram is a not a test, but instead a painless, in-depth recording of how well you sleep. After you complete your overnight polysomnogram, our board certified sleep medicine physician will review the data collected to diagnose any disorder that may exist. The polysomnogram will also reveal the severity of the disorder and give the physician guidance to the proper treatment to prescribe.
If the results of your polysomnogram test reveal that you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend that you have a CPAP Titration. The CPAP Titration is identical to a polysomnogram with the addition of a medical device known as a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This machine blows pressurized air into the nose via a mask in order to eliminate the snoring and pauses in breathing that sleep apnea produces. The CPAP Titration is an overnight sleep study used to determine the most effective airflow setting for your CPAP machine. The test also ensures that you have been given the right mask that will produce the best possible results. CPAP Titrations are often recommended for those who have been using the same CPAP machine on the same setting for over a year. If you are current CPAP user, it is beneficial to get your machine re-titrated during a CPAP Titration test at FusionSleep®.
The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) determines how sleepy you are by measuring how long it takes you to fall asleep. This test is often performed during the day. During this test, you will take four or five 15-minute naps scheduled about two hours apart. Between the naps, you must try to stay awake. During this test, just like the Polysomnogram and the CPAP Titration, different body functions will be monitored. After your test, a board certified sleep physician will use the results to verify or rule out a diagnosis of narcolepsy, or other sleep disorder.
The Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is used to measure how alert you are during the day. This test if often used for people with sleeping disorders that have jobs that involve public transportation or safety. During this test, you will be asked to stay awake for as long as you can during different time periods throughout the day. Just like the Polysomnogram and other sleep studies described, various body functions such as heart rate, respiratory flow, and muscle movement will be measured during this test. After completion, a board certified sleep doctor will review your results to determine your diagnosis and treatment, if needed.
