Sleeping
Disorder Breathing (SDB) has been linked to…
Stroke | Hypertension
Congestive Heart Failure
Type 2 Diabetes
Depression | Sexual Dysfunction
Sleep Disorder Links learn
more
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American
Sleep Systems, Inc.
101 Via Presa
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.7070
TOLL FREE
866.DO4.REST (364.7378)
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Sleep
Testing Options…
OVERNIGHT POLYSOMNOGRAPHY ~ SLEEP CENTERS
Overnight sleep clinic testing is typically performed in a sleep center.
The sleep test, a Polysomnograph (PSG), measures certain physiological
parameters throughout the night while you are asleep. These reveal
your quality of breathing and its effects on your sleep. PSG is used
to diagnose sleep abnormalities and determine the severity of any sleep/wake
disorders that may cause sleep deprivation or SDB.
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arrives about two hours before bedtime without having made any changes
in daily habits. The test is done in a controlled laboratory environment
and requires the patient to sleep while wearing multiple equipment probes
attached to their body. PSG electronically monitors the patient as he
or she passes, or fails to pass, through the various sleep stages.
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PSG tracks the following:
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Brain waves (EEG)
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Limb and abdominal movements
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Breathing/Respiratory rate
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Heart rate/electrical activity (EKG)
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Eye movements
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Oxygen saturation
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Overnight polysomnography
has been the gold standard for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in
both adults and children. It is very labor
intensive and expensive. A full set of tests includes one to three
nights at a sleep clinic and may cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more. The
test is not always covered by your insurance.
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DIAGNOSING PROBLEMS FROM THE POLYSOMNOGRAM
In a normal PSG the breathing is regular and rhythmic, the heart rate is stable,
and the oxygen levels (saturation) in the blood average between 93% and 98%.
With Obstructive Sleep Apnea the tracings are quite different. The gaps in
the airflow occurring about once a minute are due to absence of breathing
and the airway is obstructed as a result of throat collapse or some other
dysfunction at these points.
During the absence of breathing (apnea) the level
of oxygen declines in the blood. After about ten seconds, there
is a rise in the heart
rate and breathing suddenly starts again. At the point heart rate
starts to rise, sleep has been disrupted and sleep deprivation
has occurred.
The throat then unblocks as the brain sends signals to it, and breathing
starts again, usually with a loud snort-like breath. The body's attempt
to normalize oxygen saturation levels causes you to move or stir
in bed (restless sleep). The oxygen levels in the blood increase
to normal again.
With the situation normalized once more, the brain sinks into a much
needed deep sleep, but not for long, for the throat immediately obstructs
again, and the whole cycle is repeated.
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Order
Your Screening Today!
Overnight
Video Recording and Oxygen Monitoring
At-home video monitoring under infrared light
with audio may prove to be an expensive and accurate
diagnostic method when used in combination with
tests that measure blood oxygen levels and heart
rate.
Unattended Monitoring with Auto-CPAP.
This is a recent and simple method for detecting
impaired breathing. It uses an auto-CPAP machine,
which is programmed to apply pressure through
the airways via a tube that attaches to a mask
fitting the nose. A monitor is attached measuring
apnea that digitizes and records on a computer
all the information of episodes during sleep.
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