Evie Summers
A sleep study, also known as a polysomnography or sleep evaluation, is a test that helps diagnose sleep disorders and issues. The test involves various sensors and monitoring methods to track brain activity, heart rate, breathing, sleep level, oxygen levels, and movement. After the sleep study, the sensors are removed, and the data is reviewed and interpreted by a healthcare provider to determine the next steps in the patient's care. The results are also shared with the patient, and treatment options are discussed. Sleep studies are generally well-tolerated, with few side effects, and are covered by most health insurance plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To help diagnose and treat sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, and evaluate causes of excessive sleepiness. |
| Location | Sleep lab designed to look like a comfortable hotel room. |
| Equipment | High-tech equipment to record brain activity and selected body information. |
| Data Collected | Hundreds of pages of information about an individual's unique sleep patterns, including sleep stages, oxygen levels, awakenings, and disruptions. |
| Preparation | Avoid alcohol and caffeine after lunch on the day of the study. Refrain from napping. Discuss medications and supplements with your doctor. |
| Comfort | Bring your own comfortable pajamas, as well as reading material. |
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What You'll Learn
Sensors and monitoring methods
Sleep studies involve various sensors and monitoring methods to track a person's physiological activity during sleep. This data helps doctors diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. The sensors used in a sleep study are typically attached to the skin or placed non-invasively on the surface of the body. Here are some common sensors and monitoring methods used:
Electroencephalography (EEG):
EEG sensors are coated with a sticky, electrically conductive gel that helps them adhere to the scalp. These sensors detect and record brain waves, which differ depending on the sleep stage. Brain waves are crucial for identifying sleep disorders and issues.
Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG):
A single EKG sensor is worn on the chest to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. This information helps healthcare providers identify any issues with the heart's beating pattern (rhythm) and internal electrical system.
Electromyogram (EMG):
EMG sensors are attached to the skin, typically on the face and leg, to track muscle movement during sleep. This information can help identify disorders characterised by abnormal movements, such as restless leg syndrome.
Electro-oculography (EOG):
EOG involves placing adhesive sensors on the skin around the eyes to detect eye movement and activity during sleep. This can provide insights into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and any associated disorders.
Breathing sensors:
These sensors include nasal prongs that measure airflow and respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) belts that detect the expansion of the torso during breathing. These sensors help identify breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, characterised by irregular breathing during sleep.
Pulse oximeter:
This small adhesive sensor is placed on the fingertip to measure pulse rate and blood oxygen levels. This information is crucial for understanding sleep disorders that affect breathing and oxygen saturation during sleep.
Video and audio monitoring:
Low-light cameras and microphones are used to record video and audio during a sleep study. While sleep lab staff do not continuously watch the footage, they can review it if they notice any unusual or concerning readings from the sensors. This helps them synchronise the sensor data with visual and auditory information, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's sleep patterns and any potential disorders.
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Sleep study room setup
Sleep studies are diagnostic tests that involve recording multiple systems in a patient's body while they sleep. The goal of the sleep study is to obtain data that will help determine whether or not the patient has a sleep disorder that is impacting their health. Sleep centres are designed to be as comfortable and homely as possible, with regular bedroom furniture, a television, a private bathroom, and other amenities.
Sleep study rooms are set up like a hotel and are usually located in a quiet area of the hospital. Patients have a private room, some of which include a TV. The technologist will monitor the patient from a nearby control room. Patients may bring items they use for their bedtime routine, including pyjamas, a robe, slippers and reading material that may help them fall asleep. They should also bring any medications they may need during the sleep study.
The technician will help the patient into bed and connect the wire box to a computer so that they can monitor them from another room. There will likely be a small infrared camera and two-way speaker in the room. The technician will test the equipment by asking the patient to open and close their eyes, move their eyes around, snore, take breaths in and out, and move their arms and legs. If something goes wrong with a wire, or if one comes loose during the night, the technician will fix it. Once the patient is set up, the technician will leave them alone to read, watch television, or listen to music.
The patient will be connected to a variety of sensors, which will be attached to various places on their body. Most of the sensors either have adhesive on them or need tape to attach them. The sensor wires should be long enough to allow the patient to move comfortably in bed. However, if the patient needs to get out of bed, a staff member may need to assist them in unplugging the wires.
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Sleep study procedure
A sleep study, formally known as a polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test that tracks and records how multiple body systems work while you sleep. It is a common procedure that can help diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. It can also serve as an evaluation for certain causes of excessive sleepiness.
The sleep study procedure typically involves the following steps:
Before the Study
It is recommended to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and naps on the day of the study. It is important to inform your doctor or sleep specialist about any medications or supplements you are taking, as certain drugs can affect your sleep and the results of the study. You may need to gradually stop taking some medications in the days leading up to the study, but do not stop taking any prescription medication without consulting your doctor first. Pack an overnight bag with comfortable pajamas, a change of clothes, and your medications. If you have special needs or concerns, inform the sleep center staff ahead of time so they can make you feel relaxed.
Arrival at the Sleep Center
You will be instructed to arrive at the sleep center or lab in the evening, usually between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. A staff member will greet you and lead you to your room, which is designed to resemble a comfortable hotel room. A technologist will introduce you to the equipment used for the study, and this is a good opportunity to ask any questions.
During the Study
The sleep study involves sensors that track and record the activity of multiple body systems, including your brain, heart, and respiratory system. The technician will monitor your sleep and can disconnect the wires if you need to use the bathroom. The study usually takes place during your normal sleeping hours, and most people sleep better than they expect.
After the Study
The sleep study generates a large amount of data, providing a detailed picture of your unique sleep patterns. This includes information on the time spent in different sleep stages, oxygen levels, awakenings, and sleep disruptions. A physician, such as a pulmonologist or sleep medicine specialist, will review the records to identify any problems or disorders.
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Sleep study results
During a sleep study, various sensors and monitoring methods are used to track your body's physiology, which differs from when you are awake. These sensors include electroencephalography (EEG) to detect brain waves and sleep levels, electrocardiography (EKG or ECG) to monitor heart activity and heart rate, electromyography (EMG) to track muscle movement, and electro-oculography (EOG) to detect eye activity. Additional sensors measure breathing, oxygen levels in the blood, and movement during sleep.
After the sleep study, a healthcare provider will review and interpret the data. This data includes hundreds of pages of information about your night in the sleep lab, encompassing both video and audio recordings and sensor readings. The results help your doctor understand your unique sleep patterns and make informed decisions about the next steps in your care.
In most cases, a follow-up appointment with your sleep physician is scheduled within a few days after the sleep study. During this appointment, your physician will discuss the results with you and recommend treatment options if necessary. You may also be able to review your sleep study results through online patient portals provided by the healthcare facility.
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Sleep study side effects
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that involves recording multiple body systems while a patient sleeps. The test is used to help diagnose sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. The test usually takes place over the course of one night, during a patient's normal sleeping hours.
While the test is not painful, there are some side effects and discomforts associated with it. For instance, sleeping with electrodes and sensors attached to the body can be uncomfortable and disturbing. Patients may also experience some glue residue in their hair after the study, which can be removed with a cleansing solution.
Additionally, some patients may be required to take sleep medication, such as Ambien, to aid in the study. While this is generally considered safe, some patients have expressed concerns about potential side effects, especially when taking the medication for the first time. However, it is important to note that patients are usually monitored via audio and video surveillance during the study, and healthcare providers can intervene if any unusual behavior occurs.
Prior to the sleep study, patients may be instructed to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least eight hours, and to continue taking their usual medications unless otherwise advised by their healthcare provider. It is also important to inform the provider about any skin allergies, as some adhesives used with sensors may cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
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Frequently asked questions
In the morning, sleep lab personnel will help disconnect and remove all the sensors. You can then change into your clothes and leave the sleep lab. A healthcare provider will review and interpret the data.
You can wake up to use the bathroom during a sleep study. Whether you can do so without a staff member helping you depends on the sleep lab's equipment, policies, and room layout.
There are very few side effects or complications associated with a sleep study. Irritation or a reaction to the adhesives/tapes used to attach sensors is possible. You may also not sleep as well or for as long because you're in an unfamiliar place.
A sleep study involves overnight monitoring of your breathing and other bodily functions during sleep. Sensors are attached to your skin or placed on the surface of your body to measure heart rate, breathing, sleep level, oxygen levels, and movement.
Sleep study rooms are set up like hotel rooms and are usually in a quiet area of the hospital. You will have a private room with a television and a private bathroom and shower.
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