Sleep Tests | Beaumont Health

What is a sleep test?

An overnight sleep study is the safest and most reliable method for diagnosing sleep-related medical conditions. A sleep study can also provide results that reassure you and your family that your sleep patterns are normal. We offer a private and well-appointed homelike setting to help make your testing and evaluation as easy and comfortable as closing your eyes and falling asleep. All of our sleep centers are AASM accredited.

A physician prescription is required to perform a sleep study. Some patients will need to be evaluated by our sleep medicine specialists prior to testing.

Beaumont's Sleep Evaluation Services also serves as a referral source to:

dentists and orthodontists for oral appliance to reduce snoring for non-surgical candidate
otolaryngologists, oral and cranial-facial surgeons for surgical treatment
behavior medicine specialists for sleep hygiene therapy
psychiatry

The different types of sleep tests

Risk assessments and treatments for sleep disorders are conducted by board-certified physicians and sleep technologists. Specialty consultants with certifications in pulmonary disease, neurology and weight management are also available to assist in your diagnosis and treatment.

We offer these comprehensive tests as well as testing and treatment capabilities for children of all ages - from infant to adolescent:

Polysomnogram (PSG)

A polysomnogram, or PSG, is a procedure that measures important bodily functions during sleep. Many sensors are used to make these measurements. None of the sensors cause significant discomfort.

Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP or Bi-level PAP)

A CPAP/BPAP Titration is the treatment portion of the study for sleep related breathing disorders. The most common scenario is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

This test is similar to a Polysomnogram (PSG) with the addition of a positive air pressure delivery device. The pressure is adjusted throughout the night to control the patients' respiratory events, and optimize oxygen saturation and sleep efficiency.

A technologist will introduce the patient to the procedure and devices so they are familiar and comfortable. There will also be a performance trial before the test begins.

Expanded PSG with EEG

Expanded PSG with EEG for sleep disorders with evaluation for epilepsy.

PAP NAP

A PAP NAP study involves a patient working one on one with a technologist on CPAP therapy orientation, desensitization, and proper mask fitting. The patient is monitored and given the opportunity to nap in order to assess comfort levels and address tolerance issues that may arise during sleep.

A PAP NAP takes place during the day at the patient's normal nap time or usually after lunch. Patients are required to restrict sleep the night before in order to induce sleep for the nap, however sleep is not essential to the success of the PAP NAP.

Patients are encouraged to have someone drive them to and from the center if they are too sleepy to drive.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a test to confirm, or rule out the presence of Narcolepsy. This is a series of 5 naps at certain intervals throughout the daytime following a Polysomnogram (PSG). The PSG is performed to monitor the efficiency and quality of sleep preceding this procedure. The 5 naps are performed throughout the day at 2 hours intervals. The naps generally last between 20-35 minutes. The sleep latency and REM onset are measured for all 5 nap. A blood/urine test for stimulants may be necessary. Please bring your own medications and food. A refrigerator and microwave are available.

Instructions

The MSLT study usually follows the overnight PSG study. This daytime study takes up to additional 8 - 10 hours. Thus your stay in the sleep center for the combined PSG and MSLT may last up to 21 hours. You will have to bring your own supply of medication and food. A refrigerator and microwave are available.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

A maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT), is a test performed to measure patient's ability to stay awake and consists of four sessions of forty minutes each recorded throughout the day.

A PSG test is not necessary before the MWT.

During MWT sessions, the patient is to sit comfortably in a dimly lit room. The patient cannot have any outside stimulus (television, music, reading). The patient should be able to stay awake during the test.

A blood/urine test for stimulants may be necessary.