Some patients may need to undergo sleep study called polysomnography. A sleep study is a recording that includes measurements used to identify different sleep stages, breathing pattern, blood oxygen level, muscle activity and heart rhythm. The recording is done by using small metal discs (called electrodes) applied to head and skin with an adhesive. Flexible elastic belts around the chest and abdomen measure breathing. Blood oxygen saturation is measured by a clip on index finger or earlobe. None of these devices are associated with pain and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible. The recording generally takes between 6 and 8 hours at night and is performed in a comfortable and quite private room.

The sleep study and its analysis and interpretation are part of a complex process. Many hours of work are required by specially trained professionals, including sleep technologists who process or “score’ the large amount of data collected during the study. The information is then reviewed and interpreted by a physician specialized in sleep medicine. A typical study generally involves more than 800 pages of data and may require some time to fully process it. The final report is sent to referring physician within 10 days of the sleep study.

The sleep study can also be done during the day for those who work third shift on a regular basis.

To assess day time sleepiness and to rule out conditions such as narcolepsy the Center offers Multiple Sleep Latency Test or Maintenance of Wakefulness Test during the day.