Your Path to Better Sleep
Curious about how sleep studies work and what they involve? At the Center for Dental Sleep Health in Nashua, NH, Dr. Stephen Ura provides detailed information on the process and its benefits. If you’re dealing with symptoms like snoring or daytime fatigue, learning about sleep studies can be an essential step in managing your sleep health.
Contact our Nashua dental office today at (603) 237-1124 to learn more or explore our advanced sleep apnea treatments.
What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study is a diagnostic test used to evaluate sleep disorders. Conducted either at a sleep center or at home with portable equipment, these studies monitor various physiological functions, including brain activity, breathing patterns, and muscle movements.
Common conditions diagnosed through sleep studies include sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Physicians typically recommend sleep studies and sleep specialists when patients report symptoms such as loud snoring, daytime drowsiness, or irregular sleep patterns.
Why You Might Need a Sleep Study
Your doctor may recommend a sleep study for several reasons, including:
- Diagnose Sleep Apnea: Identifies breathing interruptions during sleep.
- Evaluate Treatment Effectiveness: Assesses the efficacy of CPAP machines or other treatments.
- Analyze Sleep Patterns: Monitors brain waves and sleep stages for conditions like restless leg syndrome.
- Identify Underlying Conditions: Detects issues related to heart, neurological, or lung diseases.
Types of Sleep Studies
Polysomnogram
Polysomnography (PSG) is an overnight study that provides a comprehensive assessment of your sleep. It involves monitoring brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and muscle movements. This study can detect various sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, and is conducted either at a sleep center or with portable equipment at home.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLTs)
The Multiple Sleep Latency Test is designed to measure how quickly you fall asleep during the day, which helps diagnose conditions like narcolepsy. During the test, you’ll take several short naps in a quiet, dark environment while your sleep onset and stages are recorded. This test is especially useful for determining the presence of excessive daytime sleepiness and assessing the severity of the condition.
Actigraphy
Actigraphy involves wearing a wrist-worn device that monitors your movements over an extended period, typically one to two weeks. This non-invasive test collects data on your sleep-wake cycles, providing insights into your sleep quality and duration. It’s particularly useful for identifying issues like insomnia or circadian rhythm disorders without the need for an overnight stay in a sleep lab.
Preparing for a Sleep Study
To get the most accurate results from your sleep study, your doctor will recommend:
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications before the study.
- Maintain your regular sleep schedule leading up to the test.
- Arrive at the sleep center on time for sensor setup.
What to Expect During the Sleep Study
Here’s what you can expect at the start of your overnight sleep study:
- Electrodes will be attached to your scalp and face to monitor brain waves during sleep stages.
- Additional sensors will be placed on your chest, fingers, and legs to track breathing, heart activity, and restlessness.
- Video or audio recordings may be used to correlate your sleep behaviors with sensor readings.
- The setup takes about an hour, after which you will be allowed to sleep as normal while monitored by technicians.
- Staff may wake you during the night to reconnect sensors that fall off during sleep.
After the Sleep Study
A board-certified sleep medicine physician, like Dr. Ura, will analyze the data and provide a detailed report. You’ll have a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and any necessary treatment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to an overnight sleep study?
You should bring comfortable sleepwear, any necessary medications, and personal items like an eye mask, earplugs, or toiletries. Some labs provide bedding, but you can bring your pillow, blanket, or sheets if it makes you more comfortable.
Will the sleep study equipment affect my sleep?
While the sleep study equipment may feel unusual at first, most patients adjust and can sleep normally. The sleep technicians will make sure the setup is secure yet comfortable.
How do I prepare the room for a home sleep test?
To get accurate home sleep study results, make sure your room is dark with minimal disruptions. Keep pets out and remove unnecessary items.
How long does it take to get sleep study results?
It typically takes one to two weeks after the study is completed for a physician who specializes in sleep medicine to carefully analyze all the data collected and issue a comprehensive report. Some labs may offer rapid analysis for an additional fee to expedite results within 72 hours. Follow up with your doctor about a timeline.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health
Experiencing symptoms like snoring, fatigue, or insomnia? A sleep study can provide valuable insights. Contact our Nashua, NH, office at (603) 237-1124 or fill out our online contact form for more information. We serve patients from Hudson, Merrimack, Milford, and beyond.