Diagnostic Sleep Testing

Polysomnography:

Level 1 – In-lab overnight sleep testing

The study is conducted in a private bedroom in one of our Accredited sleep lab facilities, monitored by a Polysomnographic Technologist. A Level 1 Overnight Sleep Study (Level 1) or diagnostic polysomnography is considered the gold standard in sleep testing. The overnight polysomnogram (PSG) is used to help determine the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and to diagnose a number of different sleep disorders.

Level 2 – At-home overnight sleep testing

The study is conducted in your own home. Detailed instruction is provided and the equipment is shipped directly to you. Similar to the Level 1, the Level 2 is also used to help determine the cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and to diagnose some sleep disorders.

What is a polysomnogram (sleep study)?

A polysomnogram is a recording of bodily functions during sleep. Some of the measurements taken may include:

• Brain waves (surface electrodes glued on the scalp)
• Eye movements (surface electrodes taped on skin beside each eye)
• Muscle tension (surface electrodes taped under the chin)
• Heart beat (surface electrodes glued on the chest)
• Breathing (sensor taped under the nose)
• Breathing effort/movement (elastic bands around chest and abdomen)
• Leg movements (surface electrodes glued on the lower legs)
• Blood oxygen level (plastic sensor clipped to the finger – not taken from a blood sample)

Why record all these things?

It is hard for you to tell us what goes on in your sleep because you are asleep and usually unaware of what happens. Monitoring these things gives us an accurate and objective measure of how your body functions during sleep. During sleep the body functions differently than while awake. Measuring these things in the day does not tell us what happens during sleep. However, disrupted sleep can disturb daytime functions and sometimes medical problems during sleep involve a risk to basic health.

How can I sleep with all these things on me?

Surprisingly, most people sleep very well. The body sensors are applied so that you can turn and move during your sleep. Generally, you will not be aware that you are wearing devices after they have been on for a short time. Our staff tries to make the environment as comfortable and similar as possible to your home surroundings, and many patients report that they actually sleep better there than at home. Remember that this is not a test, but merely a recording of how you sleep.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing

Level 3 – Home sleep apnea testing

The home sleep apnea test (HSAT) or Level 3 Sleep Study is used for the diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. As the name suggests, the test is done from the comfort of your own home.

HSAT how to – Alice Night One
HSAT how to – Ares Watermark 

All HSAT testing conducted by MedSleep is scored by a registered sleep technologist and interpreted by a board certified sleep physician. MedSleep follows the CSS and CTS Guidelines on the use of Portable Monitoring. 

We manage the full spectrum of sleep disorders including:

• Sleep Apnea (Obstructive/Central)
• Insomnia
• Snoring
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
• Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue
• Sleep Walking, Night Terrors, Nightmares
• Narcolepsy
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia
• Jet Lag
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder
• Circadian Rhythm Disorders