In-Lab Sleep Test

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In-lab Sleep Test: Effective and Flexible

There are over 80 sleep disorders and not all of them are well served by the simple home sleep test.

Our sleep lab is dedicated to diagnosing patients with sleep-related disorders. A polysomnography, or in-lab sleep test, is more accurate than a home sleep test, particularly in less typical cases of obstructive sleep apnea, where there may be an associated respiratory or cardiac disease.

In-lab sleep tests are also key in diagnosing periodic leg movements, insomnia, narcolepsy and sleepwalking.

At Apnea Health, you will meet a sleep doctor to discuss the best test for your particular situation.

You may begin with a home sleep test, and if the results are inconclusive, the sleep specialist may suggest you take a polysomnography in our comfortable, state-of-the-art sleep lab.

If you require an in-lab sleep test, you have 2 choices:

You can be tested in our sleep lab and the cost of your home sleep test will be deducted from that of the full sleep study.
If your insurance does not cover a an overnight sleep study in a private lab, our sleep doctors can refer you to a public hospital and they can follow up with you after your test.

At Apnea Health we provide you with choice and flexibility. All decisions are made by you and your sleep doctor. Call us for a free sleep assessment at 1-800-727-8748

What to expect during a polysomnography?

1
8:30pm
Arrival at our sleep lab where you will be greeted by a respiratory therapist (aka sleep tech) who is trained in sleep technology.
2
8:30 – 10pm
You will change into sleepwear and the sleep tech will attach sensors to you in order to collect data on your brain activity, sleep stages, eye movements, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, body movement, and more. These sensors are non-invasive sensors and they are comfortable enough to allow you to sleep as you might at home — that is, you can change positions, roll over, go for a bathroom break etc.
3
5:30 am
The sleep tech will wake you up and carefully remove all the sensors. There is a shower, coffee, tea and water provided for you in the morning. NOTE: A technologist is ALWAYS available to provide you with assistance. He or she may on occasion enter your room to make some technical adjustments.

The following day, your study will be scored and analyzed by our sleep tech, and the sleep doctor will interpret the study.

You’ll meet the sleep doctor within 3-4 weeks of your test.

Nurse helping patient with in-lab sleep testing equipment

Polysomnography FAQs

What is an in-lab sleep study?

This test makes it possible to identify both sleep apnea and other sleep disorders and to check the adjustment of treatments. This test is distinguished not only by the fact that it takes place in the laboratory, but also by the recording of brain waves (electroencephalogram) to identify the stages of sleep. It can also detect the muscular activities of the legs, making it possible to establish diagnoses of restless legs syndrome or involuntary movements of the limbs.

Are in-lab sleep studies accurate?

Yes they are more accurate than home sleep tests

What can be diagnosed from a sleep study?

In a polysomnography (in lab) test, the following conditions can be detected:

Sleep apnea
Narcolepsy
Insomnia
Restless legs syndrome
Hypersomnolence and circadian rhythm disorders
Sleepwalking
Hypoventilation

How long does it take to get in-lab sleep study results?

3-4 weeks

How do I prepare for a lab sleep study?

You can have a normal meal, before 7 pm
DO NOT TAKE ANY CAFFEINE (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) after noon (12 noon) on the day of the test
On the day of your test, do not consume any alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, coolers, etc.)
We strongly recommend that you do not take a nap on the day of the test

MEN:

Please shave the night before you come to the lab, this will help us get better records
Patients with a beard do not have to shave
We kindly ask you to wash your hair the day you come to the laboratory.

WOMEN:

You can wash your face as usual, but do not use creams or moisturizers
Wear very little makeup or preferably no makeup
We ask you to remove your nail polish
We kindly ask you to wash your hair the day you come to the laboratory
Do not use any hairspray for your hair.

YOU MUST BRING WITH YOU:

Your medication
Appropriate sleepwear that you are comfortable in
We recommend that you bring your own pillow if it helps you sleep
Your personal toiletries (eg toothbrush, comb, shampoo, etc.).

How long do you need to sleep for a sleep study?

A minimum of 4 hours

Do you have to sleep on your back for a sleep study?

It is important to sleep in a comfortable position so that the sleep test is as accurate as possible. Be aware that the supine position (lying on your back) aggravates sleep apnea.

What if you didn’t sleep well during sleep study?

It is possible to retake the test

Can a sleep study detect heart problems?

Yes, because the test records cardiac activity with an ECG and oxygen saturation

What are some types of sleep disorders?