How to Measure Sleep Quality – Somnus Therapy

Sleep studies may involve one or more of the following tests:

• Polysomnogram (PSG)

A polysomnogram (PSG) or sleep study is administered, if your doctor or a sleep specialist suspects that you have a sleep disorder (i.e., insomnia). This study is often needed to make a proper diagnosis, so you can receive right treatment for your sleep issues. 

A PSG is normally conducted overnight in a sleep clinic or hospital. The purpose of a sleep study is to monitor your sleep/wake cycles, identify any sleep disruptions, and measure the quality of your sleep. It is also designed to analyze your brain function, breathing rate, and muscle activity.

• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

A multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is used to pinpoint the cause of your daytime grogginess and fatigue. It also measures the length of time it takes you to fall asleep during the day. 

The MSLT can diagnose various conditions, such as narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. This test is conducted over a full day and consists of multiple mini-assessments. During this time, you are encouraged to take a total of five pre-scheduled naps – naps every two hours. The overall goal of an MSLT is to measure the length of time it takes you to fall asleep once it is time to go to bed (nighttime). 

• CPAP Titration

Continuous positive airway pressure titration (CPAP titration) is used to assess sleep-related breathing conditions, such as sleep apnea and hypoventilation. Once you have been diagnosed with one of the sleep disorders listed above, you can participate in a CPAP titration study. And, after your doctor or sleep specialist receives the results of the CPAP titration, treatment can begin. A CPAP titration study is normally conducted overnight in a sleep clinic. 

During this test, your breathing rate is monitored and your CPAP pressure is adjusted, as needed, to ensure that you get the proper amount of air while asleep. Thus, the purpose of this test is to make sure you do not have any airway blockages preventing you from getting sound sleep. A CPAP titration measures your heart and breathing rates, oxygen levels, delta “brain” waves, and arm and leg movements throughout the night.

• Split Night Study

A split night study can be a suitable alternative for insomniacs, who are suffering from severe sleep apnea. This test is used to diagnose sleep apnea and assess continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during one night. The goal of a split night study is to hasten the amount of time it takes for you to receive treatment. So, during the first part of the night, you are given polysomnography (a sleep study). 

During the second part of the study, CPAP titration is administered to you. A split night study is designed to identify your positive airway pressure (PAP). A PAP provides a steady stream of compressed air for you, so you experience improvements in your sleep quality. 

• Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

A maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) can evaluate your ability to stay awake at different intervals. An MWT is typically conducted over a full day a sleep clinic. The purpose of this test is to measure your wakefulness and alertness during the day. It is also designed to measure your ability to stay awake in a relaxing, quiet, and non-stimulating atmosphere for a certain amount of time.

This test involves 2-4 forty-minute daytime trials in a dimly lit and quiet bedroom. You are then instructed to look straight ahead while remaining still – not doing anything that can stimulate you or keep you awake, such as playing on your smartphone, watching television, singing, or talking.