Sleep Studies & Sleep Scoring

In order to determine whether or not you suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep study must be conducted. This is called a polysomnography. It is a comprehensive recording of biophysical changes during sleep such as brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle and skeletal activity (EMG), heart rhythm (ECG), respiratory airflow and effort, and peripheral pulse oximetry.

However, this is not a simple process wherein the patient basically walks into a sleep lab and sleeps soundly for the whole night. Rather, the patient must go to the sleep lab in the early evening due to the preparation time. It takes about one to two hours to be introduced to the setting and to get “wired up.” The polysomnography records a minimum of twelve channels or leads. These leads require a minimum of twenty-two wires that are attached to the patient. The wires lead from the patient and converge into the central box that is connected to the computer system. This system records all of the information as well as stores and displays the data. The sleep study takes around six hours to gather all of the necessary information.

Once the sleep study is complete, the sleep scoring takes place. Scoring of the data is interpreted with the necessary background information of the patient including their medical history and a complete list of drugs being taken by the patient. Sleep efficiency is also determined. This is calculated by dividing the number of minutes asleep by the total number of minutes in bed.

There are four stages of sleep. The first three stages are referred to as non-REM while the last stage is called REM, or “rapid eye movement.” When someone is sleeping lightly, they are in the first or second stages of sleep. The second stage of sleep makes up the majority of sleep time. Stage three is referred to as slow wave or deep sleep. The fourth stage, REM, takes up twenty to twenty-five percent of sleep time.

All of this information goes into account when the sleep specialist is trying to determine whether or not someone has sleep apnea. It is important to confirm or deny having this sleep disorder as it is crucial that it be treated right away. If you or someone you know might suffer from this disorder, have a sleep study conducted as soon as possible.

The 5 Things You Should Know About Sleep

A few days ago, I posted 5 questions on what you should know about sleep and sleep disorders. Because of the importance of the topic here are my thoughts on those questions:

1). Accidents caused by drivers falling asleep behind the wheel are mainly attributable to MEN-young men who are in the 25 years or younger bracket. Driving while drowsy is a significant problem and may be caused by not getting enough sleep during night time. (if you answered “True” to this question, then think again.

2). Home Sleep Testing is NOT the “silver bullet” that can get you off the hook for a Lab-based Sleep Study. While Home Sleep Testing offers you the convenience and a cost-effective way to diagnose any symptoms of a sleep disorder, it is not for everyone.  This option is available for only a percentage of those who manifest sleep disorder symptoms. (Back to your thinking caps if you answered “True”)

3). Little or No sleep CAN cause hypertension. Normally, sleeping causes your diastolic pressure to drop (the time when your heart is at rest), but interruptions to your sleep or no sleep causes your heart to work harder, increasing pressure. (“False” answers are wrong).

4). Little or No sleep can impair your body’s ability to use insulin, which can lead to Type 2 Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus when your pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin for you. (“False” answers are again wrong)

5). Sleep is actually an on-going or “work” in progress. Even though your body metabolism  slows and your body does gets some rest, there is some brain activity that increases dramatically. In REM sleep, a lot of parts of our brain remain as active as they are even when you are still awake. The brain is “re-energized” when you sleep, not to mention the greater amount of hormones that are produced by your endocrine system during deep sleep. (“False” is actually the correct answer)

It is best that you consult with your physician on what your best options are if you are really interested to know about whether you have a sleep disorder or not.

www.n2sleep.com