Gina Johnson
Sleep clinics are primarily diagnostic centres that help doctors identify and treat sleep disorders. Sleep specialists are usually in the medical or psychology fields and have specialty training in sleep medicine and sleep disorders. Sleep studies are used to diagnose sleep disorders and monitor a patient's response to treatment. During a sleep study, doctors use a process known as polysomnography to collect information about a person's sleep-related body functions. This involves the patient sleeping with electrodes attached to their body so a technician can monitor their brainwaves, heart rate, eye movement, muscle tensing, leg twitching, airflow and chest wall movement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To diagnose and treat sleep disorders |
| Who should go | People who have trouble falling and staying asleep, snoring, choking and gasping during sleep |
| Tests | Polysomnography, sleep apnea tests, melatonin for sleep |
| Test procedure | Sensors are placed on the patient's head and body to monitor various physiological responses |
| Test conductors | Medical technicians, technologists, assistants, nurses, pulmonologists, neurologists, sleep medicine specialists |
| Test duration | Overnight, but can be scheduled during the day for people who work night shifts |
| Test preparation | Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and naps on the day of the test; bring comfortable pyjamas, a toothbrush, and other toiletries |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep studies diagnose sleep disorders
Sleep studies are a crucial diagnostic tool to identify sleep disorders and their causes. They are recommended when individuals exhibit symptoms of conditions that affect sleep, such as sleep disruptions, snoring, abnormal behaviours during sleep, or constant daytime fatigue. Sleep studies can also be used to monitor a patient's response to treatment for diagnosed sleep disorders.
Sleep studies are conducted in sleep clinics, sleep centres, or sleep laboratories, which are medical facilities equipped with the necessary technology to monitor and record an individual's body systems during sleep. These facilities offer a comfortable and private space for patients to undergo testing and, in some cases, provide outpatient treatment for sleep disorders.
During a sleep study, sensors are placed on the patient's head and body to record various physiological responses. These sensors monitor brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels in the bloodstream, and body movements. The data collected provides valuable insights into the patient's unique sleep patterns, including sleep stages, oxygen levels, awakenings, and potential disruptions.
Sleep studies are typically conducted during a patient's normal sleeping hours, whether at night or during the day for those who work overnight shifts. The patient is encouraged to follow their usual bedtime routine and may bring their own pyjamas, toiletries, and reading materials to make the experience more comfortable. It is common to experience reduced sleep during a sleep study due to the presence of sensors and the unfamiliar environment.
Sleep studies can help diagnose a range of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, certain types of seizures and epilepsy, night terrors, nocturnal panic attacks, sleepwalking, sleep behaviour disorders, and sleep paralysis. The data collected during the study is analysed by sleep specialists, who collaborate with other healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan based on the patient's specific diagnosis.
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Sleep specialists treat disorders
Sleep specialists, or sleep medicine specialists, treat sleep disorders by first diagnosing the specific condition. This can be done through a sleep study, which involves monitoring and recording body systems while the patient sleeps. Sleep studies can be performed at a clinic or at home, depending on the patient's needs and the resources available. Sensors are placed on the patient's body to measure heartbeat, breathing, sleep cycles, eye movements, body movements, and blood oxygen levels. The data collected from the sleep study is then used by sleep specialists to determine the best treatment plan.
Sleep specialists work with a range of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, neurologists, cardiologists, therapists, otolaryngologists, and dentists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. They also collaborate with other specialists to address the root causes of sleep disorders and improve their patients' quality of life. Sleep medicine teams may include experts in neurology, pulmonology, psychiatry, pediatric sleep disorders, otolaryngology, dentistry, bariatrics, and nutrition.
Treatment options for sleep disorders vary depending on the specific diagnosis. Common treatments include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask during sleep that delivers air pressure to keep the airways open. Oral appliances, such as mouthguards, can be used to position the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, losing weight, or reducing alcohol consumption, can also help improve sleep quality.
In more complex cases, surgery may be recommended to treat sleep disorders. Surgery can involve removing soft tissue from the throat that blocks the airway and causes breathing difficulties during sleep. Sleep specialists work closely with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual needs and medical history. Follow-up appointments and ongoing care are often necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.
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Sleep clinics are mostly standalone
Sleep studies are very common, with over 800,000 performed on people with Medicare in 2014 alone. The process involves monitoring and recording various physiological responses while the patient sleeps. Sensors are placed on the patient's head and body to record brain activity and other bodily functions. The patient is usually assigned a room to themselves, where they can read and relax before bedtime. The technologist or technician is on hand to assist with any issues and to monitor and record the results.
The sleep study can help doctors diagnose and treat sleep disorders by tracking brain and body activity during sleep. This data provides insight into sleep patterns, including sleep stages, oxygen levels, body movements, and breathing. The results of the study are then used by doctors to develop a treatment plan, which may include medication management or the use of devices such as CPAP machines.
Some sleep clinics may also offer outpatient treatment for people experiencing sleep disorders, providing a comprehensive service for those struggling with sleep issues.
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Polysomnography is a diagnostic tool
Polysomnography is particularly useful in diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnea, where it helps determine the severity and inform treatment decisions. It is also used to detect other sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), REM behaviour disorder, parasomnias, and sleepwalking. Polysomnography can also provide information on sleep onset latency, REM sleep onset latency, the number of awakenings, total sleep duration, and sleep stage durations.
During a polysomnography test, individuals are usually assigned a private room in a sleep lab or clinic. A technologist applies sensors to the head and body, which record data throughout the sleep period. These sensors may cause some discomfort or restrict movement, but they are painless and temporary. The technologist is on hand to monitor the test, assist with any issues, and ensure the sensors are functioning properly.
Polysomnography is typically conducted during an individual's normal sleeping hours, often overnight. However, accommodations can be made for those who work night shifts and sleep during the day, allowing them to schedule daytime sleep studies. The test usually takes place in a controlled environment, like a sleep lab, to ensure the accuracy of the results. The data collected during polysomnography is then interpreted by healthcare professionals, such as pulmonologists or sleep medicine specialists, who work collaboratively with other providers to determine diagnoses and treatment plans.
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Sleep study preparation
Sleep studies are a common diagnostic test that involves monitoring and recording your body systems while you sleep. They can be performed overnight in a sleep laboratory or during the day for people who work night shifts.
To prepare for a sleep study, it is recommended that you follow your usual daily routine as much as possible. This includes eating meals and snacks as you normally would and sticking to your regular exercise regimen. However, there are a few specific things you should keep in mind to ensure the test goes smoothly.
Firstly, avoid caffeine from the afternoon onwards, and refrain from taking any naps during the day. If you normally consume alcohol in the evening, discuss this with your sleep physician to determine if you should include it in your routine for the day of the test.
In the last few hours before the test, relax and prepare your body and mind for sleep. Avoid anything that might cause anxiety or upset you, such as reading the news or browsing social media. Instead, you can read a book or listen to relaxing music. Minimise your exposure to screen light, and try to go to bed close to your normal bedtime.
On the day of the test, bring comfortable sleeping clothes, avoiding silk materials. Bring your usual toiletries, a toothbrush, and any items from home that may help you sleep better, such as your own pillow. If you take any prescribed medications before bed, bring those too.
Remember, it is normal to sleep less than usual during a sleep study due to the presence of sensors and the unfamiliar environment. However, this typically does not affect the test results, and a successful study can be completed with only a few hours of sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
You need to be referred by a doctor who thinks that you may have a sleep disorder. The doctor will fill in a referral form, which you can then take to the sleep clinic.
You should bring your usual sleep attire, such as pyjamas, and a change of clothes for the next day. You can also bring your own pillow, toothbrush, toiletries, and something to read. You should bring all your medications with you and you can take any sleeping aids you usually take before bedtime. You should keep alcohol and caffeine to a minimum on the day of your sleep study and you should not arrive intoxicated.
A technologist will attach sensors to your head and body to record information such as eye movements, brain and muscle activity, respiratory effort and airflow, blood oxygen levels, body positioning and movements, snoring, and heart rate. You will then be left to sleep, and the technologist will monitor and record the results of your test. In the morning, the sensors will be removed, and you will be discharged.
