Sleep Studies - Your Night in the Sleep Laboratory.
A sleep study, also called a "polysomnogram", is an overnight study of your sleep, which takes place in a specialized laboratory. It is conducted by a trained technologist, and is designed to detect problems with your sleep. The goal of the study is to have a natural night of sleep that is as uncomplicated and comfortable as possible.
When you come to the laboratory, a technologist will greet you and show you the location of the bedroom, bathroom, and control room. The technologist will stay through the night to ensure safety and proper procedures. High quality tracings will be obtained. There is a TV camera in the room to monitor your sleep, as well as an intercom to communicate with the technologist. It is standard practice to videotape sleep studies, in case any unusual activity occurs during testing.
When it is time, you will change into your nightclothes, and the sleep study technologist will hook up many electrodes. This does not cause pain. The electrodes are metal and shaped like a tiny cup about a quarter inch in diameter. They attach to wires, which go to amplifiers, so that electrical signals can be recorded.
Because the position of the electrodes is quite important, the technologist will measure your head and mark it for placement. The scalp will be cleaned thoroughly, in order to get a good signal. The electrodes will then be attached with either glue or paste. The technologist may scratch the scalp gently to improve the electrical connection.
Altogether, about seven electrodes will be applied to the scalp. Electrodes will also be applied around the eyes, to detect eye movement. Recording eye movements helps the technologist determine which stage of sleep you are in. Electrodes are also placed on the chin, in order to monitor muscle tone.
Next, a snoring sensor, which is a tiny microphone, will be placed on the neck. Sensors will be taped near the nose and mouth to detect airflow when you are breathing. Belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen to detect the movement associated with breathing. A sensor that shines a bright red light will be placed on your finger. This sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in your blood. EKG sensors will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate.
Finally, some electrodes will be attached to the muscles on your legs and sometimes your arms to monitor muscle tone. You may wonder if you will be able to sleep with all these wires attached. Most people sleep quite well. You can be easily unhooked whenever you want to move around and go to the bathroom. You should be able to sleep in any position that is comfortable for you.