What to Expect
Consultation… Sleep Study… Follow-up
The first step to diagnosing and treating your sleep problem is calling Minnesota Sleep Institute, Toll-Free, at 1-877-977-9500 to schedule a sleep consultation.
Consultation
During the consultation, a physician will discuss your sleep problem and medical history as well as perform a relevant physical examination. Clinical impressions, treatment options and any other questions you may have will also be discussed at this time. If necessary, an overnight sleep study or other medical tests may be ordered.
Sleep Study
The evaluation of some sleep problems may require an overnight stay in MSI’s Sleep Disorders Centers for a comprehensive sleep study called a polysomnogram. All sleep tests involve the noninvasive use of electrodes and sensors that are secured to the patient with tape or paste. The procedure is painless and allows for free movement in bed during the night.
A polysomnogram is an overnight (or daytime for night shift workers) study performed in a comfortable, private sleep room that is very similar to a hotel room. The sleep rooms are equipped with queen sized Select Comfort™ air beds and are sound and light attenuated to ensure a tranquil and quiet environment. Handicapped accessible restrooms and shower facilities are conveniently located near each sleep room. Polysomnograms are used to monitor biological functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate and rhythm, and breathing.
The center is staffed by technicians and registered technologists who are specially trained in the use of sophisticated instrumentation and the identification of sleep/wake pathological events. Our technicians monitor one or two patients per night, assuring that each patient receives excellent care and personal attention. Under certain circumstances, on the physician’s order, the technician may intervene during the night to apply certain treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the gold standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Some patients may also undergo an additional test, performed during the day following the polysomnogram, called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). The MSLT is used by the physician as a diagnostic tool to objectively assess the patient’s level of daytime sleepiness. The MSLT involves 4 or 5 tests, or naps, administered at two hour intervals. During each nap, the patient is given a 20 minute opportunity to fall asleep. The amount of time it takes to fall asleep on each nap, called the sleep latency, is measure and evaluated by the physician to determine if pathological or excessive daytime sleepiness is present and if treatment is necessary.
Similar to the MSLT, another test, called a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), may also be performed for patients involved in the public transportation industry such as over-the-road truck drivers and airline pilots. The MWT involves four, 40 minute test periods administered at two hour intervals to assess the patient’s ability to remain awake in a dimly lit room while lying semi-recumbent and without using extraordinary measures.
Follow-Up
After our registered technologists have analyzed your sleep data, a physician will interpret the results and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
This site is presented for information only and is not intended as a
substitute for professional medical advice.
© 2006 Minnesota Lung Center/Minnesota Sleep Institute. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use
Sitemap
