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Testing

After your consultation, you may be asked to come in for diagnostic and/or therapeutic tests. Diagnostic tests are done at the sleep clinic and are designed to help determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder. Therapeutic studies are designed to provide relief for a diagnosed sleep disorder. Here are some of the tests we may perform:

Polysomnogram, a diagnostic sleep study performed in the clinic. It is used to evaluate sleep stages and diagnose sleep disorders such as insomnia, snoring and sleep apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration, a therapeutic sleep study performed at the clinic. Your sleep is monitored while you are on CPAP therapy to determine the effectiveness of your sleep disorder treatment.
Split-night polysomnogram/CPAP combines the two previously described sleep studies. The diagnostic part is done for three hours, and then you are put on CPAP for the remainder of the study.
Tests for sleepiness:

Mean Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) done as a series of naps and is used to assess daytime sleepiness.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT), used to measure the level of alertness you have during the day. It shows whether or not you are able to stay awake for a defined period of time.

Testing at home

A polysomnogram measures:

Brain Waves (EEG)
Heart Rate (EKG)
Eye Movement (EOG)
Muscle Movements (EMG)
Limb Movements (EMG)
Breathing (Nasal/Oral)
Breathing (Respiratory Effort)
Blood Oxygen Levels (Sp02)
Esophageal Pressure (PES)