Diagnostic In-Facilty PSG

This is the general monitoring of sleep stages (such is the amount of NREM and REM sleep, number of arousals and wakings) and a variety of body functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, heart rhythms, and limb movements. It is usually indicated in the evaluation of sleep-related breathing disorders, abnormal movements during sleep and parasomnias.

What to expect

On the night of your sleep study, you will be assigned to a private hotel-like bedroom. Near the bedroom will be a central monitoring area where the technicians monitor sleeping patients. You will be hooked up to equipment that will allow for easy movement both while you are in the bed and while you are active in your room. Most patients fall asleep with little difficulty. Expertly trained technicians make each patient as comfortable as possible while overseeing and recording reliable and accurate data with the most up-to-date equipment offered. Throughout the night, the technicians monitor activities like brain waves, muscle movements, breathing efforts, heart rate and oxygen levels. By reviewing and analyzing any abnormalities that were observed during the overnight study, Dr. Barker and her medical staff can then continue to develop your sleep diagnoses and treatments.

The equipment used in a sleep test

Surface electrodes on your face and scalp will send recorded electrical signals to the measuring equipment. These signals, which are generated by your brain and muscle activity, are then recorded digitally. Belts are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing.

A bandage-like oximeter probe on your finger is used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is used to measure and record brain wave activity.

An EMG (electromyogram) records muscle activity such as face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements. It also helps in determining the presence of REM stage sleep.

An EOG (electro-oculogram) is used to record eye movements. These movements are important in determining the different sleep stages, particularly REM stage sleep.

An EKG (electrocardiogram) to record heart rate and rhythm.

A nasal airflow sensor is used to record airflow.

A snore microphone to record snoring activity.

Each sleep study and its analysis is a complex process. Many hours of work are required by the specially trained Barker Sleep professionals in order to fully understand the significant amount of data gathered from each patient during the study. Treatment is customized for each patient and may include a combination of medications, oral appliances, a CPAP machine or even surgery. Whatever the treatment, the final outcome will always be a healthy, restful night’s sleep for the patient.

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