Types of Sleep Study Tests For Sleep Medicine In Memphis Tn. The following are the various types of sleep studies. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of these to determine how best to treat your sleep disorder.
- Nocturnal Polysomnogram (NPSG) The Nocturnal Polysomnogram is the standard overnight diagnostic sleep study used to assess various sleep disorders. It involves the measurement of multiple physiological parameters such as respiratory effort and airflow, brain waves (EEG), heart activity (EKG), muscle movement (EMG), oxygen saturation levels, and snoring. This comprehensive study helps diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorders, insomnia, and disruptions in the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle.
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration CPAP Titration is a therapeutic study specifically used to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective CPAP pressure level that eliminates apneic events and snoring. The patient is fitted with a CPAP device, and various pressure settings are explored to find the optimal pressure for maintaining an open airway during sleep.
- Split Study A Split Study combines a diagnostic test and a therapeutic test in the same night. It is conducted for adults who exhibit severe OSAS, allowing immediate treatment if necessary. If the patient does not require immediate CPAP treatment, the study continues as a Nocturnal Polysomnogram. If the diagnostic test confirms sleep apnea, the patient may return for a full night of CPAP treatment.
- Bi-Level Titration Bi-Level Titration is an alternative therapeutic study used for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or those who are intolerant to CPAP treatment. This study explores different pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation to ease the work of breathing and effectively treat sleep apnea.
- REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) RBD is a modified Nocturnal Polysomnogram that includes electrodes on the arms in addition to the legs. It is performed to determine the presence of movement during REM sleep, a stage in which the muscles should be immobile. This study is conducted when there is suspicion that a patient may be acting out their dreams during sleep.
- NPSG with End Tidal CO2 This modified Nocturnal Polysomnogram incorporates the monitoring of end-tidal CO2 levels, which is a useful addition to airway recordings. It helps in detecting conditions such as obesity hypoventilation and hypercapnia (CO2 retention). Monitoring end-tidal CO2 is considered the gold standard for pediatric polysomnography.
- Expanded EEG Sleep Recording An Expanded EEG Sleep Recording is an NPSG performed with a full EEG montage during the study. It is used to detect the presence of nocturnal seizures along with other sleep disorders. The comprehensive EEG monitoring provides valuable information about brain activity during sleep.
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) The MSLT is a daytime study performed after a full diagnostic Nocturnal Polysomnogram. It objectively measures a patient’s level of sleepiness after a night’s sleep. The MSLT consists of five timed tests, two hours apart, during which the patient’s ability to fall asleep, sleep onset latency, and the stage of sleep reached are observed. This test is commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) The MWT evaluates a patient’s ability to stay awake in a sleep-induced environment. It is used to assess the effectiveness of treatment for a sleep disorder. During the MWT, the patient is required to stay awake while undergoing various activities and stimuli. The test helps determine the patient’s level of alertness and ability to maintain wakefulness.
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