Sleep Studies
Sleep studies are
tests that watch what happens to your body
while you are sleeping. These
studies are done to find out what is causing your sleep problems.
Sleep studies are very useful in
determining whether or not you have a problem with the different
stages of sleep. The two stages of sleep are non-rapid eye
movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). During the course
of an average nights' sleep, NREM and REM alternate 4 to 5 times.
A change in this cycle could make it difficult for you to sleep
soundly.
CAN'T SLEEP? WE CAN HELP!
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US
Most common
types of sleep studies
-
Polysomnogram.
This test records several body functions during sleep,
including brain activity, eye movement, oxygen and carbon
dioxide blood levels, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate
and rhythm, the flow of air through your mouth and nose,
snoring, body muscle movements, and chest and belly
movement.
-
Multiple sleep
latency test (MSLT). This test measures how long it
takes you to fall asleep. A video camera is used to record
movements during sleep.
-
Multiple wake
test (MWT). This test measures whether you can stay
awake during a time when you are normally awake.
The Polysomnogram (PSG)
A Sleep Study or Polysomnogram (PSG) is a multiple-component
test, which electronically transmits and records specific
physical activities while you sleep. The recordings become data,
which will be "read" or analyzed by a qualified physician to
determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder.
Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
CPAP works by
gently blowing pressurized room air through the airway at a
pressure high enough to keep the throat open. This pressurized
air acts as a "splint." The pressure is set according to the
patient's needs at a level that eliminates the apneas and
hypopneas that cause awakenings and sleep fragmentation. Pressure
that is too low will not be as effective in eliminating the
apneas and hypopneas.
CPAP is the most
effective method for treating obstructive sleep apnea. It can
sometimes be hard to use, but any complaints about the comfort of
the machine or mask can usually be addressed easily. Talk to your
doctor or home care company representative about any discomfort
you may have.
Sleep Apnea Surgery
The intention of surgery is to create a more open airway so
obstructions are less likely to occur. There are several
different surgical procedures with different effectiveness rates,
and surgery can also sometimes worsen the apnea. In addition,
there are also several non-surgical procedures that can remove
excess or obstructive tissue or harden the soft palate by
inserting three small polyester rods.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Certain dental devices can be used to treat mild cases of
obstructive sleep apnea. These devices move your jaw forward to
make breathing easier.
A common treatment for sleep apnea is called "continuous positive
airway pressure," or CPAP. For this treatment, you wear a special
mask over your nose and mouth while you are sleeping. The mask
will keep your airway open by adding pressure to the air you
breathe. It helps most people who have sleep apnea.
In very few cases, surgery is necessary to remove tonsils or
extra tissue from the throat.
