If you’ve been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, your doctor may recommend a sleep study. Many people are nervous and uneasy about their first sleep study. We’ll help ease your nerves.
Our Sleep Clinic is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Your care team includes physicians specializing in sleep disorders (pulmonologists, neurologists and psychiatrists). Other specialists are available for consultation as needed.
Diagnostic Testing
A sleep study (polysomnography) is the most common diagnostic test to assess a range of sleep disorders. It may take place overnight in a sleep clinic, or in the daytime for shift workers who generally sleep during the day. The test is non-invasive and involves multiple sensors placed on your head, body and limbs that record brainwave activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and rhythm, and eye movement to detect sleep apnea.
Electrodes on the scalp measure brainwaves, a fingertip oximeter measures oxygen levels in your blood, muscle activity is recorded using EMG and EOG, face twitches are monitored by a video camera, and jaw movements are recorded to look for bruxism or TMJ problems. A maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) is also performed, though it doesn’t measure your sleeping patterns. Your doctor will ask you about any medications that could interfere with your ability to stay awake. It is important to be as honest as possible when filling out the medical history form.
Treatments
Sleep disorders can lead to many medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, many of these problems can be treated with medication or lifestyle changes.
We use the latest methods to diagnose and treat sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and other disorders that affect your sleep. Our treatment plans are based on your individual needs.
Overnight studies are performed in attractive rooms designed for comfort and privacy. You will need to bring your own overnight clothing, toiletries and a towel. Some tests involve attaching electrodes to your head, which may leave a residue in your hair; you should bring shampoo.
A sleep facility comprises a clinic where patients are evaluated and managed and a laboratory where diagnostic testing is performed through in-center or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT). A sleep disorder specialist (typically a neurologist, pulmonologist, psychiatrist or internal medicine physician) oversees the care of each patient. These physicians are board certified in sleep disorders.
Follow-Up Care
A pulmonologist or sleep medicine specialist may recommend a sleep study based on your symptoms and health history. They can usually give you options for a lab close to your home, work or other location where you normally sleep.
Your doctor will examine your test results and develop a treatment plan. This plan may include lifestyle changes or a prescription for medications or devices that can help you control your sleep disorder. Untreated sleep disorders can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and diabetes.
If your doctor thinks you have a sleep disorder, they may order an overnight sleep study. These are commonly referred to as polysomnograms. You can also have an at-home sleep study. It is less expensive and takes fewer measurements than an in-lab study. However, you must follow the test equipment and instructions closely. You must also remove any body lotions or sprays before your sleep study, as the electrodes need a clean surface to make good contact with your skin.부산이비인후과
Information for Patients
Your physician may recommend you visit a sleep clinic or lab if they think your symptoms indicate a sleep disorder. A neurologist, pulmonologist or psychiatrist with an interest in sleep disorders can diagnose your condition and prescribe treatment.
If you’re scheduled for an overnight study, plan to pack a toothbrush, pajamas or sleepwear and clothes to wear the next morning. Also, be sure to remove any hair sprays or gels, as they might interfere with sensors used in the sleep study.부산수면클리닉
Your doctor will examine the results from your overnight study (also known as a polysomnogram) and develop your treatment plan. Your care team will explain the findings to you and answer any questions. If you’re a patient of Mayo Clinic, you can access your sleep history through the Mayo Clinic Patient Portal. You can use this online tool to communicate with your medical provider before, after or in lieu of a face-to-face appointment. You can also use the portal to schedule appointments and receive test results.