Therapeutic Sleep Study
This study is performed if you have been diagnosed with a sleep-related breathing disorder and your doctor has prescribed CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. This positive pressure is used to prevent a person's airway from closing while they are sleeping.
The test is used to:
Determine the correct level of therapy required for your condition by using different airway pressures; the types of disorders treated with CPAP therapy include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), hypoventilation (under breathing) and hypoxemia (low levels of oxygen).
Preparing for the test:
You will be scheduled for a sleep study that includes CPAP therapy and asked to come to the sleep center in the evening. Pack an overnight bag with some extra clothing and your own pillow if you prefer. If you have special needs, advise the sleep center personnel so they can accommodate you.
On the day of the sleep study, it is important to avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) after 2 p.m., and try not to nap. Before coming to the sleep center, wash and dry your hair, and do not apply hair sprays, oils or gels.
It is important for your sleep professional to know if you are taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medications, as some of these can affect sleep and the interpretation of the sleep study. Sometimes certain medications need to be discontinued gradually prior to a sleep study so that the results can be correctly interpreted. However, do not discontinue any prescription medication without first consulting with your health care provider.
What to expect during the test:
Several small sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your chest. Wires to an electrocardiograph, or EKG, machine will connect these electrodes. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. A recording of your heart rhythm, heart rate and blood pressure will be obtained throughout the test.
During the CPAP study, you will be fitted with a nasal mask connected by a tube to a small CPAP machine. The mask allows the air to gently blow into your airway.
During the sleep study, the CPAP machine will find the right level of air pressure that will keep the upper airway open and eliminate pauses in your breathing as you sleep.
You can return to normal activities the day after your sleep study.
What to expect after the test:
Results of your sleep study will generally be available in a week. A technologist will examine your sleep study data, and results will be shared with a board-certified sleep doctor. The doctor will review the data, determine if a sleep disorder is present and, if so, classify the type of sleep disorder and design a treatment plan.
Your doctor will discuss the results of your sleep study with you and refer you to a medical supply company for a CPAP machine to use at home if a sleep disorder is identified.