Sleep Medicine: Sleep Tests and Procedures

It is a well-known fact that the quality of your sleep affects numerous aspects of one’s physical and mental health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), close to 70 million Americans suffer from chronic or occasional sleep problems. Even more concerning is that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between two and three-quarters of American adults are not getting enough sleep each night.  

Untreated sleep disorders can have serious health consequences. Individuals with sleep apnea, for example, may experience interruptions in their breathing throughout the night, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Insomnia, another common sleep disorder, can cause daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. When you search form, “sleep medicine near me,” you may be surprised to learn how many options you have available. 

TYPES OF SLEEP TESTS 

Many are not aware that there is an entire branch of medicine dedicated to ensuring everyone gets the best possible night’s rest known as sleep medicine. This field specializes in diagnosing and treating common sleep disorders and often uses specialized tests and procedures to evaluate sleeping habits such as apnea, insomnia, or narcolepsy amongst many others.  

Sleep is essential for optimal health, and in recent years, sleep medicine has been gaining more attention. Some of the most common tests and procedures used in sleep medicine include polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, and home sleep apnea testing. These assessments can help identify sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy.  

With these diagnostic tools, doctors can better evaluate patients’ sleep patterns and develop personalized treatment plans to improve their quality of life. If you are experiencing issues with sleeping, you may want to consider a sleep study to help identify any underlying issues and take the necessary steps to address them. 

Polysomnography 

Polysomnography is a non-invasive procedure that can provide valuable information about a patient’s sleep quality and help improve their overall well-being. This sleep study monitors various bodily functions during sleep.  

It can be used to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. During the study, sensors are placed on the patient to record brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity. The data is then analyzed by a trained physician to identify any abnormalities in sleep patterns.  

Actigraphy 

Actigraphy is another non-invasive method used to monitor physical activity and sleep cycles. A small device called an actigraph is worn on the wrist and measures movement and rest patterns. This technology is particularly useful for individuals who may have difficulty self-reporting their activity levels or for those with sleep disorders.  

Data from actigraphy testing is analyzed to track and monitor a person’s daily routine, including sleep duration, quality, and timing. The data also can be used to identify potential health issues and create personalized treatment plans. With its ease of use and versatility, actigraphy has become a valuable tool in research and clinical settings. 

MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY TEST 

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) measures how quickly you fall asleep in a quiet and dark room during daylight hours. The MSLT helps to diagnose sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.  

During the MSLT test, electrodes will be attached to the patient’s scalp, and then the patient will be asked to take multiple naps throughout the day. This non-invasive test is typically performed after a polysomnography test to further assess any sleep-related disorders. 

BENEFITS OF SLEEP TESTING 

The first step to clearing barriers to restorative sleep is as simple as searching for, “sleep medicine near me.” Sleep tests and procedures can have a significant positive impact on your health by helping diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome, which can cause many health problems if left untreated.  

By identifying and treating these disorders, individuals can improve their quality of life, reduce their risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, and experience better sleep. Sleep tests also provide valuable information for doctors to tailor the most effective treatment plan for each patient. If you are struggling with poor sleep, or suspect you may have a sleep disorder, you may want to consider undergoing a sleep test for a better night’s rest and improved health. 

SLEEP MEDICINE TESTING AND PROCEDURES IN WOOSTER, OH 

Sleep tests and procedures can be an important part of getting the diagnosis and treatment you need to get better sleep. At Wooster Community Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center, our professional staff uses patient examinations and medical histories, sleep journals, and sophisticated sleep studies performed at WCH to pinpoint the underlying causes of sleep conditions. We even offer convenient telehealth visits for our initial consultations and follow-ups. 

Call us today to learn more: (330) 263-8400. We are on the fourth floor of the central building on the WCH campus in Wooster, OH.