Sleep StudyTest is a 6-8 hours recording of a person’s brain activity, heart rate, leg and eye movements, oxygen levels and breathing while one is asleep.It monitors various sleep stages and cycles when the sleep patterns are disrupted.  

WHY IS SLEEP STUDY TEST DONE? 

It is used to diagnose various sleep disorders that could be: 

• hard time sleeping
• sleep apnea
• periodic limb movement disorder
• snoring
• daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy)
• awaking with screaming, confusion or panic
• REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams in sleep)
• unusual behaviors during sleep (walking, moving around or rhythmic movements)
• unexplained chronic insomnia

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SLEEP STUDY TEST?

• patient may be advised to avoid drinks or food containing alcohol or caffeine 
• napping in the afternoon before a sleep study not recommended
• patient shall be asked to bathe or shower before this test
• lotions, gels, colognes or makeup before the test shall need to be avoided 
• if on any medication, take them on schedule with doctor’s knowledge
• patient may have normal diet  
• okay to carry comfortable sleepwear, toiletries, a change of clothing,reading material 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SLEEP STUDY TEST? 

• the patient sleeps in a room with a monitoring equipment
• the staff monitors sleep patterns from another room and is able to talk to the patient 
• electrodes (small patches) are placed on the patient’s scalp, chest and legs
• other equipment might too include 

-a pulse oximeter to assess oxygen levels

-an elastic band placed around the chest and stomach to check breathing

-an airflow sensor to check the air movement

-PAP machines

AFTER THE TEST 

In the morning, the devices are removed.Patient may leave the sleep lab and resume normal routine.Reports are sent to the doctor to decide on the next course of the treatment. 

INTERPRETATIONS

Brain waves and eye movements- assess the sleep stages, identifies disruptions 

Heart breathing rate changes and changes in blood oxygen may suggest sleep apnea

Frequent leg movements may indicate periodic limb movement disorder

Unusual movements or behaviors in sleep may be the signs of REM or another sleep disorder

The information gathered during the test is evaluated first by lab technologist followed by the doctor.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• The most common side effect in this test could be the skin irritation caused by the adhesive to attach test sensors to patient’s skin
• Not everybody might be able to fall asleep easily at the sleep centre but this doesn't affect results
• Full night's sleep might not be required to obtain accurate results