Signs you may need a sleep study
If you go a month or more without enough sleep and it interferes with your daily functioning or mood, it may be time to seek medical advice.
If you experience any of the following, it may be a signal that you are not getting enough sleep or you have a sleep disorder:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Trouble staying alert during monotonous activities
- Irritability toward friends, family, co-workers
- Difficulty concentrating or recalling facts
- Depressed mood or lack of motivation
- Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning or falling asleep
Home Sleep Testing (HST)
Home Sleep Testing is a convenient alternative to overnight sleep studies that require two short appointments and generally have shorter wait times. Active doctors orders and insurance eligibility are required.
How Our In Lab Sleep Study Works
If your doctor determines that you may have symptoms that require further evaluation, you will be recommended for an overnight sleep study in our accredited sleep lab. Our overnight sleep study uses a polysomnogram which records your heart, lung, brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements and blood-oxygen levels while you sleep. These measurements can be used to identify different sleep stages and various sleep problems.
During the sleep study, small metal electrodes are applied to your head and skin with special adhesive to monitor your stage of sleep, eye muscle movement and jaw movement throughout the night. Breathing is monitored by light expandable belts placed around your chest and waist and a thermistor placed under your nose. A small clip on your index finger monitors the level of oxygen in your blood.
If a breathing problem is observed while you sleep, the sleep center team may awaken you to have you try a device called a CPAP that treats breathing problems or apnea during sleep. This device, called a positive airway pressure device, opens the airways by using a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask that is placed around your nose or your nose and mouth while you sleep.
Certain medications can affect the interpretation of a sleep study. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Do not discontinue any medications until you've talked to your doctor first.