Sleep Study

Hello, Tonight I want to talk about sleep study or a polysomnography sleep study (PSG). To get a PSG you must be tested at a sleep study clinic. Sleep study clinics have a polysomnogram that records data while you sleep by attaching electronic transmitters to your face and scalp. The recordings or sleep study scoring will determine if you have a sleep disorder.

There are four types of sleep disorder study:

1. Diagnostic Overnight PSG; Study of sleep by brain wave, eye movement and number of arousals, etc. to determine the amount of non-REM and REM sleep. This sleeping study also monitors body functions including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythms and leg/arm movements.

2. Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) This sleep research study diagnoses narcolepsy and measures restlessness, sleepiness during the hours you are awake. This study of sleep is usually done after a PSG test and will conclude if you fall asleep easily during the day and monitors how often you enter REM sleep.

3. Two-night Evaluation PSG and CPAP Titration; a sleep apnea study CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure involves using a specially designed nasal mask that evaluates the delivery of air into the airways. The first night is general monitoring to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The OSA sleep study will show if you stop breathing during your sleep. The second night is required to see if CPAP pressure will alleviate apnea.

4. Split-night PSG with CPAP Titration; Instead of two consecutive nights this test splits one night in half. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea with the first half of the study then the second have they will use the mask to determine the CPAP pressure required to lessen your sleep apnea.

When you arrive at the sleep center you will be assigned a private room that may appear to look like a bedroom. It will have a nice bed, coffin or a coffin couch. (which I prefer) This room is a central monitoring area where technicians will record and analyzes you while you sleep. There you will be hooked up to the monitor. Electrodes will be attached to your face and scalp so that your electrical signals will be sent to the measuring equipment. An Oximeter will be put on your finger to calculate the oxygen level in your blood and a strap will be placed around your chest to measure your breathing. All the machines and wirers may look intimidating and uncomfortable, but most patients fall asleep without any problems.

There are other tests and scoring sleeping studies such as:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure and record brain wave activity.
• EMG (electromyogram) to record muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements. It also helps in determining the presence of REM stage sleep.
• EOG (electro-oculogram) to record eye movements. These movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep.
• EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm.
• Nasal Airflow Sensor to record airflow.
• Snore Microphone to record snoring activity.

Other sleep studies are the MSLT test or multiple sleep latency test which evaluates how long it takes you to fall asleep and the MWT test or multiple wake test that measures whether you can stay awake during your normal waking hours.

Sometimes you may have shift work sleep disorder and your internal clock or circadian rhythm is causing you to become restless during the day. A home sleep study test called Actigraphy, a device that looks like a watch, will assess your movement during night and day. It will help your doctor to determine what times during the day you are active and what times you are sleeping. Aren’t most of us sleeping during the day?

Before you have a sleep study test your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary for 1 or 2 weeks. Try to adhere to your normal routine for a more accurate record. 2 or 3 days before the test do not take any naps, stop taking any drugs such as sleeping aides, don’t drink or eat anything with caffeine.

On the day of the test take a shower but do not put anything is your hair like hair spray or hair gel. Some of the test equipment will be attached to your face and fingers so no makeup, fingernail polish or fake nails. Pack a small sleepover bag; bring a book, pjs, dirt or your favorite pillow if you like.

All pertinent forms should be completed prior to the sleep study test day. Make sure you complete and answer all answers honestly this will help your doctor to diagnosis your sleep disorder accurately. And above all else ask questions and discuss concerns with your doctor.

Sleep studies are usually done at a sleep clinic and your results should be available within 1-2 weeks. Depending on the diagnosis your results may be sent to your family physician, a neuorologist or a doctor that specializes in sleep disorders. I don’t know about you, but all this boring sleep study talk is making me tired.

Good Evening,
Rose Sheepskill

Sleep Study

Hello, Tonight I want to talk about sleep study or a polysomnography sleep study (PSG). To get a PSG you must be tested at a sleep study clinic. Sleep study clinics have a polysomnogram that records data while you sleep by attaching electronic transmitters to your face and scalp. The recordings or sleep study scoring will determine if you have a sleep disorder.

There are four types of sleep disorder study:

1. Diagnostic Overnight PSG; Study of sleep by brain wave, eye movement and number of arousals, etc. to determine the amount of non-REM and REM sleep. This sleeping study also monitors body functions including breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythms and leg/arm movements.

2. Diagnostic Daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) This sleep research study diagnoses narcolepsy and measures restlessness, sleepiness during the hours you are awake. This study of sleep is usually done after a PSG test and will conclude if you fall asleep easily during the day and monitors how often you enter REM sleep.

3. Two-night Evaluation PSG and CPAP Titration; a sleep apnea study CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure involves using a specially designed nasal mask that evaluates the delivery of air into the airways. The first night is general monitoring to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The OSA sleep study will show if you stop breathing during your sleep. The second night is required to see if CPAP pressure will alleviate apnea.

4. Split-night PSG with CPAP Titration; Instead of two consecutive nights this test splits one night in half. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea with the first half of the study then the second have they will use the mask to determine the CPAP pressure required to lessen your sleep apnea.

When you arrive at the sleep center you will be assigned a private room that may appear to look like a bedroom. It will have a nice bed, coffin or a coffin couch. (which I prefer) This room is a central monitoring area where technicians will record and analyzes you while you sleep. There you will be hooked up to the monitor. Electrodes will be attached to your face and scalp so that your electrical signals will be sent to the measuring equipment. An Oximeter will be put on your finger to calculate the oxygen level in your blood and a strap will be placed around your chest to measure your breathing. All the machines and wirers may look intimidating and uncomfortable, but most patients fall asleep without any problems.

There are other tests and scoring sleeping studies such as:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure and record brain wave activity.
• EMG (electromyogram) to record muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements. It also helps in determining the presence of REM stage sleep.
• EOG (electro-oculogram) to record eye movements. These movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep.
• EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm.
• Nasal Airflow Sensor to record airflow.
• Snore Microphone to record snoring activity.

Other sleep studies are the MSLT test or multiple sleep latency test which evaluates how long it takes you to fall asleep and the MWT test or multiple wake test that measures whether you can stay awake during your normal waking hours.

Sometimes you may have shift work sleep disorder and your internal clock or circadian rhythm is causing you to become restless during the day. A home sleep study test called Actigraphy, a device that looks like a watch, will assess your movement during night and day. It will help your doctor to determine what times during the day you are active and what times you are sleeping. Aren’t most of us sleeping during the day?

Before you have a sleep study test your doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary for 1 or 2 weeks. Try to adhere to your normal routine for a more accurate record. 2 or 3 days before the test do not take any naps, stop taking any drugs such as sleeping aides, don’t drink or eat anything with caffeine.

On the day of the test take a shower but do not put anything is your hair like hair spray or hair gel. Some of the test equipment will be attached to your face and fingers so no makeup, fingernail polish or fake nails. Pack a small sleepover bag; bring a book, pjs, dirt or your favorite pillow if you like.

All pertinent forms should be completed prior to the sleep study test day. Make sure you complete and answer all answers honestly this will help your doctor to diagnosis your sleep disorder accurately. And above all else ask questions and discuss concerns with your doctor.

Sleep studies are usually done at a sleep clinic and your results should be available within 1-2 weeks. Depending on the diagnosis your results may be sent to your family physician, a neuorologist or a doctor that specializes in sleep disorders. I don’t know about you, but all this boring sleep study talk is making me tired.

Good Evening,
Rose Sheepskill

Sleep Center

Rose Sheepskin here…usually I do the articles, but my friend Count Narcolepsy owns a sleep center and insisted writing about it. (I will edit it when he is done) His sleep center is just outside of my town of Brasso in Transylvania and its called Narcolepsy Sleep Center. Originality is not one of his strong suits. Not surprisingly the only difference with his sleep center compared to others is his is only open at night. So without further adieu may I present Count Narcolepsy……

Good Evening, tonight I wish to talk about my sleep center, what services we offer and treatments for the sleep impaired. We have specialized sleep labs and clinics to diagnose, treat and support those with sleep disorders. Our clinics provide diagnosis, medical, pharmacological and behavioral treatments and follow-up services integrated with management care.
Some of the sleep disorders we treat are:

• Insomnia …nothing like some nice fresh dirt wouldn’t cure
• Sleep Apnea….Rose has already posted her opinions about this
• Restless Legs Syndrome…..I still use the 15th Century bloodletting for this disorder
• Night Terrors……Now if we didn’t have Night Terrors there wouldn’t be any Horror flicks something I am particularly engrossed over. They are sooo entertaining. Ones person’s nightmare is another person’s dream
• Sleepwalking…now if you have a sleepwalker make sure you lock your windows and doors. Wouldn’t want anyone to get out during the night….or anyone in either ????

My center is staffed with pulmonologists, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and oral specialist. Our services include overnight sleep studies and home studies.
The overnight sleep studies include:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) – monitors brain activity to document sleep stages
• EOG (electrooculogram) – measures eye movement
• EMG (electromyogram) – measures muscle activity for monitoring muscle tone as well as body movement, especially limbs
• EKG (electrocardiogram) – monitors heart activity
• Respiratory Airflow – measures airflow from nose and mouth to document respiratory disturbances
• Respiratory Effort – monitors chest wall and abdominal movement to help determine specific respiratory disturbances
• Pulse oximetry – measures the oxygen saturation level to distinguish changes during respiratory events
• Snoring – monitors vibration of throat to determine snoring episodes (don’t say throat!)
• Body Position – monitors the effect of sleep position on sleep and breathing
• Other parameters as determined by physician

During a sleep study, the technologist (or myself) is in constant video and audio contact with the patient, providing a safe, supportive surroundings with minimal apprehension. Our suites have been designed to promote a relaxing atmosphere and a pleasant patient experience without garlic, crosses or stakes. We offer full-size coffins, private bathrooms and a light breakfast (raw meat or fresh road kill) so that patients can undergo a full sleep diagnostic procedure, wake up and start the night with minimal disruption to their unlives.

The home studies are for those with obstructive sleep apnea and they have to meet a certain criteria including coverage from their insurance company. The criteria are as follows (my patients don’t meet this criteria, but you might..for now):

• Patients with a high pre-test probability of moderate to severe OSA.
• Patients with no significant co-morbid medical condition. Examples of co-morbid conditions include moderate-severe pulmonary diseases (cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, active asthma, COPD), congestive heart failure and neuromuscular diseases (ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease).
• Patients suspected of having no co-morbid sleep disorder other than OSA.
• Patients unable to be studied in a sleep laboratory.
• To monitor response to non-CPAP treatments after the diagnosis has already been made.
• The AASM recommended that HST is not appropriate for general screening of asymptomatic patients.

The most important and most difficult part of our program at Narcolepsy Sleep Center is the long- term support of employees. Our counselors can quickly resolve any problems to increase the likelihood that patients accept their treatment and learn to successfully manage their sleep disorder, because they have to unlive with them for eternity.

Thanks Count Narcolepsy
Good Evening,
Rose Sheepskill

Sleep Center

Rose Sheepskin here…usually I do the articles, but my friend Count Narcolepsy owns a sleep center and insisted writing about it. (I will edit it when he is done) His sleep center is just outside of my town of Brasso in Transylvania and its called Narcolepsy Sleep Center. Originality is not one of his strong suits. Not surprisingly the only difference with his sleep center compared to others is his is only open at night. So without further adieu may I present Count Narcolepsy……

Good Evening, tonight I wish to talk about my sleep center, what services we offer and treatments for the sleep impaired. We have specialized sleep labs and clinics to diagnose, treat and support those with sleep disorders. Our clinics provide diagnosis, medical, pharmacological and behavioral treatments and follow-up services integrated with management care.
Some of the sleep disorders we treat are:

• Insomnia …nothing like some nice fresh dirt wouldn’t cure
• Sleep Apnea….Rose has already posted her opinions about this
• Restless Legs Syndrome…..I still use the 15th Century bloodletting for this disorder
• Night Terrors……Now if we didn’t have Night Terrors there wouldn’t be any Horror flicks something I am particularly engrossed over. They are sooo entertaining. Ones person’s nightmare is another person’s dream
• Sleepwalking…now if you have a sleepwalker make sure you lock your windows and doors. Wouldn’t want anyone to get out during the night….or anyone in either ????

My center is staffed with pulmonologists, neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and oral specialist. Our services include overnight sleep studies and home studies.
The overnight sleep studies include:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) – monitors brain activity to document sleep stages
• EOG (electrooculogram) – measures eye movement
• EMG (electromyogram) – measures muscle activity for monitoring muscle tone as well as body movement, especially limbs
• EKG (electrocardiogram) – monitors heart activity
• Respiratory Airflow – measures airflow from nose and mouth to document respiratory disturbances
• Respiratory Effort – monitors chest wall and abdominal movement to help determine specific respiratory disturbances
• Pulse oximetry – measures the oxygen saturation level to distinguish changes during respiratory events
• Snoring – monitors vibration of throat to determine snoring episodes (don’t say throat!)
• Body Position – monitors the effect of sleep position on sleep and breathing
• Other parameters as determined by physician

During a sleep study, the technologist (or myself) is in constant video and audio contact with the patient, providing a safe, supportive surroundings with minimal apprehension. Our suites have been designed to promote a relaxing atmosphere and a pleasant patient experience without garlic, crosses or stakes. We offer full-size coffins, private bathrooms and a light breakfast (raw meat or fresh road kill) so that patients can undergo a full sleep diagnostic procedure, wake up and start the night with minimal disruption to their unlives.

The home studies are for those with obstructive sleep apnea and they have to meet a certain criteria including coverage from their insurance company. The criteria are as follows (my patients don’t meet this criteria, but you might..for now):

• Patients with a high pre-test probability of moderate to severe OSA.
• Patients with no significant co-morbid medical condition. Examples of co-morbid conditions include moderate-severe pulmonary diseases (cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, active asthma, COPD), congestive heart failure and neuromuscular diseases (ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease).
• Patients suspected of having no co-morbid sleep disorder other than OSA.
• Patients unable to be studied in a sleep laboratory.
• To monitor response to non-CPAP treatments after the diagnosis has already been made.
• The AASM recommended that HST is not appropriate for general screening of asymptomatic patients.

The most important and most difficult part of our program at Narcolepsy Sleep Center is the long- term support of employees. Our counselors can quickly resolve any problems to increase the likelihood that patients accept their treatment and learn to successfully manage their sleep disorder, because they have to unlive with them for eternity.

Thanks Count Narcolepsy
Good Evening,
Rose Sheepskill