A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. But for many people, a good night’s sleep is elusive. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 50 to 70 million adults in the United States suffer from a sleeping disorder.
There are many different types of sleeping disorders, and the best way to determine which one you have is to see a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist will ask you about your sleep habits and may recommend a sleep study. Sleep studies can be done in a sleep laboratory or at home.
What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study is a series of tests that are done to diagnose and treat sleeping disorders. Sleep studies are conducted by sleep specialists, who are doctors who have special training in sleep medicine.
During a sleep study, you will be asked to stay overnight in a sleep laboratory or at home with special equipment that will record your sleeping patterns. The recordings will be used to diagnose your condition and determine the best treatment for you.
Types of Sleep Studies
There are several different types of sleep studies that can be done to diagnose different conditions. The most common types of sleep studies are polysomnography, nocturnal oxygen saturation, and actigraphy.
Polysomnography is the most common type of sleep study. It is usually done in a sleep laboratory and it records your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and eye movements during sleep. This information is used to diagnose conditions such as insomnia, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea.
Nocturnal oxygen saturation is a test that measures your blood oxygen level during sleep. It is used to diagnose conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Actigraphy is a test that uses an activity monitor to track your movement during sleep. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as restless leg syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).
Sleep Latency Test
A sleep latency test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep. This test is often used to diagnose insomnia.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test
A multiple sleep latency test is similar to a sleep latency test, but instead of just measuring how long it takes you to fall asleep, it also measures how long it takes you to fall asleep during the day. This test is often used to diagnose narcolepsy.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test
A maintenance of wakefulness test measures how well you are able to stay awake during the day. This test is often used to diagnose narcolepsy.
There are many different types of sleeping disorders, and the best way to determine which one you have is to see a sleep specialist. A sleep specialist will ask you about your sleep habits and may recommend a sleep study. Some sleep studies can be done in a sleep laboratory or at home and the recordings are used to assess your needs and determine the best treatment for you. If you think you might have a sleeping disorder, see a doctor so you can get the help you need to get a good night’s rest!