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Brookings Sleep Study - Polysomnogram - PSG - Split Night Sleep Study - Brookings - Oregon Coast |
Sleep Studies in Brookings Oregon - Polysomnograms
How Does A Sleep Study Work and What Is A PSG?
A PSG, or Polysomnogram, is a multi-channel recording during sleep. Doctors order a polysomnogram to diagnose or rule out obstructive sleep apnea. PSGs can be accomplished during the day or night but most sleep studies are done at night because that's when most people normally try to sleep. Shift workers can be accommodated in some labs by having the test at other times - a good lab wants to ensure the testing is done during the patient's normal sleep time and not interrupt any sleep cycles. During a PSG, or sleep study, medically trained sleep technicians monitor brain waves, breathing patterns, eye movement, blood oxygen levels, and other parameters needed in order to study a person's sleep. After the overnight sleep study is done, a specialist interprets the test results and provides the information to the sleep patient's doctor for consideration of possible treatment(s).
What to expect. Typically the patient arrives at a sleep lab in the early evening, and then introduced to the setting over a 1 or 2 hour period and then the patient is "wired up" so that multiple channels of data from the brain and body can be recorded when he or she falls asleep. The sleep lab may be in a hospital, a free-standing medical office, or in a hotel. To make the patient more comfortable Advanced Sleep Disorders Center labs are typically in a separate office environment that is built, or reconstructed, to feel "warm and friendly" like a home would be. A sleep technician is always in attendance and is responsible for attaching the electrodes to the patient and monitoring the patient during the study.
Types of Sleep Studies
CPAP Titration (overnight study). A CPAP titration study is an overnight sleep study that is for treatment rather than diagnosis. When you come in you are tested and fitted for a CPAP mask and then hooked up to the polysomnography equipment. During the night the pressure of the air coming from the CPAP machine is gradually increased until your breathing is normalized and your correct CPAP pressure has been determined. You will be trained that night for proper use and care of your CPAP machine and for understanding how it helps you. Once patients become accustomed to the use of a CPAP device they typically find a much better night's sleep.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (daytime study). A multiple sleep latency test, or MSLT, is conducted, along with a polysomnogram, to confirm or rule out narcolepsy. This test is performed during the daytime and monitors a series of naps to reveal a person’s severity of sleepiness and whether REM sleep (deep sleep during which a person dreams) intrudes inappropriately throughout waking hours. This test is usually done immediately after an overnight study (PSG). You will remain wired with most of the wires from the polysomnogram done the previous night. Typically, a series of five naps are taken at two-hour intervals. The test is usually finished by late afternoon or 5:00pm There is little or no discomfort from the MSLT.
Polysomnogram (overnight study). A polysomnogram, or PSG, is the most reliable test used to diagnose certain sleep disorders. It measures abnormalities in the sleep cycle. This test can also help to rule out that the person’s symptoms stem from another medical condition. As mentioned above, the test is an overnight study that is very easy to have done; there is virtually little or no discomfort. Electrodes are placed on the skin and scalp. These electrodes are then connected to recording equipment to monitor and record the following body functions during sleep: airflow and respiratory effort, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate, electrical activity in the brain, eye movement and muscle movement.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (daytime study). A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, or MWT, is conducted along with a polysomnogram to determine your level of daytime sleepiness after treatment for narcolepsy or sleep apnea. This test is generally used for commercial drivers, pilots and people who work around heavy equipment to ascertain ability to perform their job safely. This test is normally provided immediately after an overnight study. You will remain wired with most of the wires from the polysomnogram performed the previous night. A series of four “naps” are taken at two-hour intervals. Each nap requires the patient to sit in a chair for 40 minutes and try to remain awake. The test is usually done by late afternoon, or 5:00pm, and there is little or no discomfort for the patient.
Our Brookings Sleep Center not only has state-of-the-art equipment and a beautiful, warm facility but our staff is not only knowledgeable and professional, but enthusiastic about helping you with your challenges. Our Brookings facility services Brookings, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Florence, Coos, Curry County, Agness, Carpenterville, Harbor, Langlois, Pistol River, Sixes, Wedderburn, Crescent City, and Del Norte California. We look forward to serving you.
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