Different Types of In-Lab Studies
Polysomnogram (PSG)
A polysomnogram, also referred to as a in lab sleep study, is a test used to diagnose sleep disorders. In lab sleep studies record your brain waves, the oxygen level in your blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements. Polysomnograms are a diagnostic tool that allows for a multitude of sleep disorders to be identified including but no limited to the following:.
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Sleep related seizure disorders.
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Sleep related movement disorders such as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
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Sleep related disorders caused by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
CPAP Titration
What is a CPAP Titration?
If the results of your in-lab or at-home sleep study reveal that you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend that you have a CPAP titration study done. The CPAP titration study will be conducted over night in lab and is almost identical to the procedures used for a PSG study however, during a titration study you will be placed on a medical device known as a continous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP). This machine blows pressurized air into the nose and mouth via a mask. Your technician will work with you to find the best mask fit and size for you to ensure that you are getting the best results possible when utilizing your own CPAP machine. The pressurized air is used in order to eliminate the snoring and pauses in breathing that sleep apnea causes; due to this each individual will need a specific pressure setting. During the titration you technician will work to find the most effective airflow pressure setting for you.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
A MSLT is a sleep study that is performed during the day to measure your level of daytime sleepiness or to discern whether breathing treatments for your disorder are working properly. MSLT's generally follow the procedures of PSG by recording if you fall asleep during the test, and if so, which stages of sleep you enter. During an MSLT, you are given five 20-minute nap opportunities spaced 2 hours apart with a sleep technician monitoring your brain activity and eye movements. An MSLT can be used to test for narcolepsy as well as other sleep disorders.