At Naples Sleep Center Collier County's only Fellowship trained sleep doctors and certified technicians provide comprehensive testing and treatment of sleep disorders.
Polysomnography
Polysomnography is a test of sleep cycles and stages that measures and records physiologic patterns of sleep, including brain waves, eye movement, breathing rates, electrical activity of muscles, blood oxygen levels, and heart rhythm. This test is performed to evaluate sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, breathing difficulties, behavior disturbances during sleep (sleep walking, night terrors), or other sleep disorders.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
A Multiple Sleep Latency Test is an accurate way to measure daytime sleepiness and is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of other sleep related disorders. The test consists of five separate sleep opportunities spaced two hours apart. A MSLT is usually preceded by a polysomnograph and takes up to 8 hours to complete.
To perform this test, the sleep technologist will apply electrodes to your scalp, around your eyes, under your chin, and on your chest. You will then be asked to lie down on a bed in a private room. The technologist may ask you to follow a few simple commands (look to the left and right, swallow), and then the lights will go down and you will be allowed to fall asleep.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move oxygen into the blood. In a spirometry test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that you breathe in and out over a period of time. For some of the test measurements, you can breathe normally and quietly. Other tests require forced inhalation or exhalation after a deep breath.
Polysomnograms
Are usually carried out during the night so that your normal sleep patterns can be replicated. In preparation for the test, the sleep technician will place electrodes on your chin, scalp, and the outer edge of your eyelids. In addition, monitors recording heart rate and breathing rate will be attached to your chest. Other diagnostic tests may also be performed.
Virtually every detail of your night’s sleep will be recorded, including how long it takes you to fall asleep, how often your eyes open, how long it takes you to enter each phase of sleep, and how long you remain in each phase. Sometimes your physical movements will be recorded by video camera. To prepare for this test, follow your physician’s guidance on which of your medications to take or avoid, and do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages before the test.
PAP Titration Testing
PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) titration is a test that is performed once obstructive sleep apnea has been diagnosed. You will be monitored in the same way as mentioned in the previous section, yet during this test you will be fitted with a mask that is attached to a breathing machine. You will breathe as normally as possible, while varying levels of airflow pressure are applied to determine the level at which your airway remains open and apnea is eliminated. If indicated, you will be fitted for the complete system, consisting of a programmable pressure generator, tubing, and mask. Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).