Sleep Studies

What are sleep studies?

Sleep studies are tests that watch what happens to your body during sleep. The studies are done to find out what is causing your sleep problems. Sleep studies can also determine whether you have a problem with your stages of sleep. The two stages of sleep are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). Normally, NREM and REM alternate 4 to 5 times during a night's sleep. A change in this cycle may make it hard for you to sleep soundly.
The most common sleep studies are:

• Polysomnogram - This test records several body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate and rhythm, the flow of air through your mouth and nose, snoring, body muscle movements, and chest and abdomen movement.
• Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) - This test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep. A video camera is used to record movements during sleep.
• Multiple wake test (MWT) - This test measures whether you can stay awake during a time when you are normally awake.

Preparing for a sleep study

Pack a small overnight bag with personal items, such as a toothbrush, comb, favorite pillows or blankets, or a book, to take to the sleep lab. You do not need to wear a hospital gown. You can wear your normal nightclothes. The sleep lab may send you forms to fill out before the test. These forms will ask about your sleep habits and patterns. The forms may also include questions for the person who sleeps with you; he or she may be aware of sleep habits you do not know you have. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate.

What happens during a sleep study?

Sleep studies are usually done by a trained sleep lab technician. The studies are usually scheduled for evening and night hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) in a special sleep lab. You will be in a private room, much like a hotel room. You will need to be at the sleep lab a few hours before the test so the technician can prepare you for the study. You will fill out a questionnaire about your sleep the night before. You will also be asked to fill out another form after the study about your sleep during the study. Depending on the different tests you will undergo, you map be asked to sleep for different periouds or to wear certain equipmenet for monitoring. You will not feel pain during these tests. It may feel odd to be hooked to the sleep study equipment. The sleep lab technician understands that your sleep may not be the same as it is at home because of the equipment. Try to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible.

Finding out the Results

Sleep study results are generally available within 1 to 2 weeks.Your doctor can review your results at a follow-up visit. The sleep lab technician will not be able to review the results of the study with you.