Sleep Testing
Understanding Sleep Testing: Types, Procedures, and Benefits
Sleep testing, also known as polysomnography, is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It records brain waves, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study.
Types of sleep testing include in-lab sleep studies, home sleep apnea tests, multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), and maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT). Each type is used to diagnose different sleep disorders.
During a sleep test, sensors are placed on the scalp, face, chest, limbs, and finger to monitor various physiological parameters. The test is usually conducted overnight in a sleep lab or at home, depending on the type of test.
Benefits of sleep testing include accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders, personalized treatment plans, improved sleep quality, and better overall health. It helps identify issues such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.