Sleep Studies

We can help figure out what is impacting your sleep

Aurora BayCare’s Sleep Wake Center is accredited by the America Academy of Sleep Medicine.  We diagnose and treat the full spectrum of sleep disorders.

To determine whether you suffer from a sleep disorder, sleep specialists may study the quality and characteristics of your sleep using one or more tests:

Overnight Sleep Study

A polysomnogram, also referred to as a sleep study, records sleep and breathing function.  Approximately 25 sensors are applied to the surface of your scalp and other parts of your body to monitor brain waves, breathing, eye movement, heartbeat, leg movement, muscle tension, and oxygen levels.

These sensors monitor your body’s functions while you sleep and send that information to a computer for analysis. A polysomnagraphic technologist and a sleep specialist review the data in order to diagnose sleep disorders.

The body sensors are applied so that you can move easily while sleeping, and most people can sleep well with the sensors on.  Your sleep lab room is comfortably appointed and conducive to sleep.  You will have a private bathroom with a shower and towels. A glue/paste adhesive is used to apply sensors to your scalp, so plan time to wash your hair if you will be going directly to work in the morning.

Nap Study

Depending on the results of your polysomnogram, your doctor may have you do a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), typically the next day. This consists of four to five naps scheduled two hours apart during the day.

During the nap study, lunch is provided.  Call in advance of your appointment to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

You will be required to stay awake and out of bed between naps. Bring something to read or work on between naps.  You may make phone calls, but you will need to avoid caffeine.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test

This test is conducted in a format similar to the multiple sleep latency test, except you are requested to remain awake throughout the entire study.

EEG Testing Services

EEG testing (electroencephalography) is a neurodiagnostic tool that provides a more extensive recording of electrical activity in the brain. A number of electrodes are pasted to your scalp to record any abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Electroencephalography is a painless, non-invasive test.

Home Sleep Study

If you and your doctor determine that you are a good candidate for a home sleep study, you will be given a portable recorder with sensors that you apply at home prior to sleep.  Information regarding your sleep is recorded and stored in the box recorder.  When you bring the recorder back to the Sleep Wake Center, your sleep information is downloaded into a computer and the results are compiled and processed for review.

Test Results

Sleep test recordings are often 1,000 or more pages long.  A polysomnagraphic technologist and a board-certified sleep specialist interpret your test results. The final report is then forwarded to your referring physician with whom you will have a follow-up appointment to obtain the results.