FAQ
What is a Sleep Study?
A Sleep Study is a non-invasive test that monitors what happens as we sleep. Patients are asked to arrive at the sleep center at about 8pm and to bring any medications with them that they may need that night and the next morning. Avoid caffeine and alcohol within 6 hours of arrival. Wear something warm to sleep in, as the room is ordinarily kept cool to avoid sweating, which can interfere with the performance of the sleep study. The room is designed to look like a bedroom. The bed is comfortable and privacy is maintained. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor brain wave activity in order to determine when the patient goes to sleep and what level of sleep he or she is in. Pressure sensors are placed on the chest and abdomen to determine when the patient is making attempts to breathe. A flow sensor is placed under the nose to see if the airway is open or blocked during breathing. A pulse oximeter is placed on the finger to measure oxygen levels noninvasively. There is a microphone to record snoring and a video camera to record body position in addition to unusual behavior or activity during sleep. Electrodes are also placed near the eye, under the chin, and on the legs and arms to monitor limb movements during sleep. There is a technician in constant attendance to assist in the event that the patient needs to get up and go to the bathroom or requires any help. Over 1000 pages of data are generated during this study and results may take a week or longer. The physician must personally review all of the data on a computer in order to interpret the study. A home sleep study is sometimes considered for those patients who cannot or will not consider a formal night of study in a Sleep Center. The physician prefers to meet with the patient, and the bed partner, if possible, to discuss results in detail when they are available.
What is a CPAP titration study?
If the baseline sleep study demonstrates evidence of obstructive sleep apnea requiring treatment, patients are scheduled to return for a second overnight study in the Sleep Center to determine what level of pressure is required to prevent their airway from collapsing. The pressure level is unique for each patient and depends on the geometry of the airway. During the second night of the study, patients are connected to the same equipment utilized for the baseline sleep study but they are also placed on continuous positive airway pressure. The technician begins the study at a low pressure and slowly increases the pressure as needed to prevent snoring and obstructive events. The physician interprets that study and again meets with the patient and bed partner to plan treatment.