Diagnosing Sleep Disorders: What Can a Sleep Study Reveal?

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, analyzes physiological parameters during sleep. It measures tissue oxygen levels, heart rate, electroencephalogram, blood pressure, and respiratory patterns.

Polysomnography is a detailed analysis used to identify sleep abnormalities. It monitors eye and leg movements during the study.

Polysomnography can be performed in a sleep center, sleep lab, or hospital’s sleep disorders unit. In some cases, it may be conducted during the day to accommodate shift workers.

To evaluate symptoms like daytime sleepiness and potential factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and age, your doctor may request completion of one or more questionnaires.

If sleep apnea is suspected, your doctor may recommend a sleep monitoring test.

In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

In-lab sleep examinations are used to diagnose sleep apnea and other sleep problems.

You’ll spend the night in a specially-equipped room, similar to a hotel room, to ensure your comfort. Bring your usual sleep essentials, including pajamas.

These studies are noninvasive and do not require a blood sample. However, wires are attached to your body to monitor your breathing, brain activity, and other vital signs while you sleep.

Your comfort during the study helps the technician to better monitor your sleep.

The technician will monitor the following once you fall asleep:

• Your sleep cycles based on brain waves and eye movements
• Your breathing, including oxygen levels, breathing pauses, and snoring

If you participate in a full-night sleep research, your sleep will be observed throughout the night. If you have sleep apnea, you may need to return to the lab later to set up a breathing aid.

Split-night research uses the first half of the night to observe participants.

At-Home Sleep Test

An at-home sleep test is a shorter version of an in-lab test. No technician is present, and your doctor may recommend a portable breathing monitor kit.

You can go to bed at your usual time on the night of the test. Follow the kit’s instructions carefully to connect the monitoring sensors accurately.

Most in-home sleep apnea monitors are easy to set up and typically include the following elements:

• A finger clip to monitor heart rate and oxygen saturation levels
• A nasal cannula to monitor oxygen and airflow
• Sensors to monitor chest movement

An at-home test does not track movements, position, or sleep cycles like an in-lab test.

Your doctor will receive the test results after completion. They will contact you to discuss the findings and determine if treatment is necessary.

Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are associated with breathing issues. Breathing frequently stops and starts during sleep if you have this condition.

Understanding Sleep Studies

A sleep study, or polysomnography, tracks and assesses various bodily processes during sleep, including breathing rate, blood oxygen level, heart rate, brain waves, and leg and eye movements.

The examination is conducted to identify sleep disorders brought on by ailments known as sleep disorders. Sleep disorders include problems falling asleep, excessive sleeping, and irregular breathing during sleep.

Sleep disturbances can affect your overall health, safety, and quality of life. Lack of sleep increases the risk of major disorders like depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

It may also lead to accidents and other mishaps. Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders can help prevent health problems.

QUESTION

Conditions Diagnosed by a Sleep Study

Polysomnography may be recommended if you have the following conditions:

• Restless legs syndrome: Accidental leg movements during sleep, often accompanied by sleep apnea.
• Narcolepsy: Extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
• Disruption of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior: Acting out dreams during sleep.
• Irregular sleep patterns: Unusual sleep behaviors like sleepwalking or rhythmic movements.
• Prolonged insomnia: Frequent difficulties falling or staying asleep without a known cause.

Polysomnography can help identify various sleep problems, including insomnia, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, narcolepsy, irregular limb movement disorder, sleepwalking, somniloquy, and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Sleep apnea causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep, with as many as 30 episodes per hour.

Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Restless legs syndrome causes uncomfortable leg sensations and a strong urge to move the legs when trying to fall asleep.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that results in extreme daytime sleepiness, leading to unexpected bouts of sleep during the day.

Additional tests for sleep apnea include electroencephalography, electromyogram, electrooculogram, electrocardiogram, snore microphone, and nasal airflow sensor.

Why Do I Need a Sleep Test?

A sleep study may be necessary for the following reasons:

• Sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep)
• Daytime sleepiness
• Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleep)
• Sleep disorder (sudden onset of sleep)
• Restless legs syndrome (uncomfortable leg sensations)

Sleep studies may also be required for less common conditions such as rapid eye movement sleep disorders, sleepwalking, or sleep terrors.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study for additional reasons beyond insomnia.

How to Prepare for a Sleep Study

You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your sleep study.

Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine-containing substances like coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, energy drinks, or protein bars for at least eight hours before the study.

Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. You may need to temporarily discontinue certain medications before the study.

Summary

If you have trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, morning grogginess, snoring, or other signs of a sleep disorder, your doctor may recommend a sleep study.

As part of the study, you will spend the night in a sleep facility or lab connected to various monitors that record your breathing and movements.

The report from the study provides a comprehensive picture of your sleep health for your primary care physician.

Remember to pack as if you were staying at a hotel, as you won’t be able to consume coffee or alcohol before the study begins.

Some people worry about not being able to sleep or stay asleep during a sleep study, but rest assured that your comfort and sleep will be monitored.