All you need to know about a sleep study and its functions

Posted by Marry Grover on February 10th, 2021

Your brain remains active even when you’re sleeping, it is beneficial to check your activity while sleeping sleeper study is conducted which can help your doctors to diagnose a variety of Sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea and rest legs syndrome. If you are curious about an undergoing sleep study, you’re not the only one. Here is the list of some things which can suffice your curiosity. 

Why do we perform the Sleep Study test? 

The most widely used type of Sleep study is polysomnography, which is used for treating Sleep Apnea. While you doze off in a Sleep-lab which looks like an expensive hotel, your sleep, breath, and other important functions are monitored under the supervision of a Sleep specialist.  

This test will reveal your sleep patterns, positions, and quality altogether. It will also reveal the amount of oxygen you’re consuming, how much time you spend in the light and deep stages. Whether your sleep is disrupted by external factors such as leg or hand movement. 

Which equipment is used by Sleep Specialists? 

After arriving at a Sleep lab which usually happens in the evening. A technician will apply small sensors to your head and chest with an adhesive. There are a bunch of wires which are connected with the computers attached over your head with enough slack so that you could move around enough during your sleep. A clip might be attached to either your fingers or on an earlobe to monitor your bloodstream. However, most people get used to it very quickly. 

If your Sleep Specialist suspects that you have Sleep Apnea, you might need to wear a CPAP mask during the second half of the night in a sleep lab. You might be asked to try on some breathing mask before you hit the bed, to be sure about the fitting. Sleep specialists adjust your machine to monitor if it improves your Sleep. 

 What steps can boost your comfort? 

  • For better sleep and avoid alcohol and naps the day of your Sleep Study. Don’t have a beverage that contains caffeine including tea, coffee, cola, and chocolate. 

  • Carrying your toiletries and comfy clothes can help you sleep comfortably which will yield good results. 

Different type of Sleep Study 

Polysomnography- In polysomnography, a Sleep Specialist monitors a sufferer overnight at a Sleep-lab or a clinic. A Polysomnography is performed throughout the night which monitors eye movements, brain and muscle activity, respiratory effort and airflow, blood oxygen levels, body positioning and movements, snoring, and heart rate. 

CPAP Titration- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is one of the most common treatments for Sleep Apnea. In CPAP titration, a Sleep Specialist determines the amount of pressure is required for the patient which is further used for anatomy sleep tests. CPAP titration is generally performed in a sleep study. In the case of Sleep Apnea is highly suspected, a  Sleep Study might be an option. In a split-night study, a polysomnogram is performed for diagnosing Sleep Apnea in the first half of the night and CPAP is used during the second half of the night.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing- Home Sleep Apnea testing monitors and collects information about the sufferer’s breathing pattern, sleeping patterns, heart rate, and other important functions overnight. However, compared to polysomnography, home testing doesn’t provide detailed and accurate information also it is overseen by the Sleep Specialist. 

Which sleep disorders can be diagnosed?

The sleep study is used for diagnosing different sleep disorders, some of these disorders are as follows- 

  • Insomnia 

  • Sleep Apnea 

  • Rest leg Syndrome 

  • Narcolepsy 

  • Periodic limb disorder 

  • Sleepwalking 

  • Sleep Talking 

  • REM sleep disorder 

These were some points regarding Sleep Study and the things around the sleep study. 

Summary- Sleep Study can help you diagnose sleep disorders and save you from further consequences.

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Marry Grover

About the Author

Marry Grover
Joined: November 26th, 2020
Articles Posted: 38

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