Sleep Test

Sleep test (polysomnography) is a diagnostic procedure that analyzes various functions of the body during sleep to identify the causes and abnormalities related to sleep disorders, such as snoring, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). The results of this test are used to assess the severity of these conditions as well as to discern the disease and tailor an appropriate treatment plan that treats the disorder effectively.

How does a sleep test perform?

During a sleep test or sleep study, the doctors will place multiple high-performance sensors to detect and record how the various systems of the body’s organs work, including the cardiovascular system, brain activity, as well as respiratory system, and muscle activity to check and understand how the muscles of the arms and leg’s function, as well as jaw movements during sleep. These devices record brainwave activity (EEGs), blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and heart rhythm patterns (ECGs), as well as measure breathing rate during sleep to assess sleep apnea. In addition, a sleep test determines eye movement (rapid eye movement rate) and the movement of muscles in the arms, legs, and jaw to identify the causes of concerns, including snoring, sleep disorders, teeth grinding, sleep talking, and other abnormal behaviors during sleep. Once the sleep test or polysomnogram results are obtained, the physician analyzes and interprets the data to make a diagnosis, assess the severity of the condition, and develop a tailored treatment plan for the specific sleep disorder.

Who should undergo a sleep test?

• Those who snore loudly.
• Those who feel excessive daytime sleepiness, excessive exhaustion, and fatigue despite getting enough sleep at night still feel unrefreshed.
• Those who feel an abnormally dry mouth or throat after waking up.
• Those who often wake up suddenly during the night breathe in and out quickly, and forcefully gasp for breath upon awakening.
• Those who experience difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or suspect sleep apnea.
• Those who have trouble sleeping feel like they are not sleeping deeply or getting shallow sleep.
• Those who exhibit unusual sleep patterns such as teeth grinding, sleep talking, sleepwalking, muscle spasms or twitching of the arms or legs repeatedly while they're asleep, bedwetting, night terrors, or frequent nocturnal awakenings in the middle of the night.
• Those who experience prolonged, unexplained insomnia.
• Those with underlying conditions that could increase their risk of developing hypoxia while sleeping.
• Those whom the doctor suspects may have nocturnal seizures during sleep; in this case, the doctor may ask the companion to inquire about sleeping behavior and medical history in order to fully understand what occurred during sleep, including any issues or disorders.
• Those with occupations demanding high levels of concentration at work or those who work in high-risk occupations, such as pilots and ship captains, train drivers, electric train drivers, truck drivers, and air traffic controllers.

For what condition or high-risk person is a sleep test recommended?

• Those who are at risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Those with Narcolepsy
• Those with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) 
• Those with seizures, epilepsy
• Those with heart disease
• Those with kidney failure
• Those with diabetes
• Obesity, or those overweight
• Those with hypertension
• Those who usually experience night terrors, sleep talking, sleepwalking.
• Those who experience night terrors, sleep phobias, fear of the dark (Achluophobia), and fear of sleeping alone (Autophobia).
• Those who experience a condition of the inability to move while awake or while sleeping (sleep paralysis)
• Those with other unresolved sleep abnormalities.

What is the procedure for a Sleep Test at MedPark Hospital?

• Sleep Test at MedPark Hospital uses an international gold standard protocol for conducting sleep tests. The process typically involves a physician taking a comprehensive medical history, inquiring about any chronic health conditions or sleep-related problems, and obtaining informed consent for the examination. The personal information of the patients is protected under the highest level of privacy standards in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act of 2019 (PDPA).
• The general process for a sleep test typically begins in the early evening, around 8:00 p.m., a time when there is no natural light. However, the timing may vary depending on individual preferences and needs.
• A specialized doctor and a sleep technician explain the examination process before, during, and after the test, including the various equipment used. The sleep technician will ask the examinee to try wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask before the actual examination to help them familiarize themselves with the equipment, particularly in cases of severe sleep apnea.
• The examinee receives a complete physical cleaning and is dressed comfortably in hospital-provided attire regarding the hospital staff's instructions.
• During the test, technicians will attach electrodes to measure brainwave activity on the scalp, near the nose to measure snoring levels, in the mouth to examine obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), on eye muscles, on the abdomen, under the chin, and on muscles in the arms and legs. They will also install equipment to record heart electrical activity, oxygen levels at the fingertip, and other specialized sleep monitoring devices. Then record the VDO of sleep behavior that contributes to the diagnosis. Throughout the test, a clinical supervisor and nurses will attend and monitor the examinee at all times, ensuring their safety and the quality of the data collected during the entire sleep study.

What is the preparation for a sleep test?

• On the day of the sleep test, a specialized doctor will ask the patient to refrain from daytime napping to ensure the nighttime sleep test’s effectiveness.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages including tea, and coffee from 12:00 P.M. onwards.
• Five hours before the sleep test, the examinee should have dinner and water ready; after that, drink less water.
• The examinee should relax their mind and be worry-free so that their body feels relaxed and stress-free.
• The examinee should take a shower, wash their hair, and clean their body thoroughly before coming to the sleep test. If the male examinee has a beard or chest hair, the doctor may ask him to shave it so a breathing recording device and ECG equipment can be firmly attached.  
• Temporarily refrain from applying skin creams, gels, oils, and lotions on the face, body, and hair, including nail polish. Therefore, the examination device can be securely attached,
• Those who take medications such as blood glucose control drugs, blood pressure medication, or other medications should inform the doctor in advance before performing the sleep test.
• Refrain from taking laxatives before the sleep test due to their effects on intestinal bowel movement, which can cause insomnia.
• Those who regularly take sleeping pills can take the pills as usual.
• Those who have personal bedding, such as bolsters or dolls, can bring it on the day of the sleep test.
• Those who experience symptoms such as a fever or cold or have recently had an accident should inform the doctor before a sleep test.
• Patients can bring 1 relative or follower on the day of the sleep test; a sleep technician will inform the follower of the regulations.
• If you feel unwell, uncomfortable, or have any issues during the test, please feel free to inform any of the clinical staff at all times.
• The examinee feels free to wake up in the morning at the hospital at their usual time

Is a sleep test painful or have any complications?

Sleep test is considered painless and non-invasive, without any complications. A test examines the natural functions of the human body, such as heart electrical activity, blood oxygen level, average breathing rate in and out, chest and abdominal wall excursion, the frequency of eye rolls while sleeping, snoring, and sleep behavior.
The process involves attaching a simple electrode device to the skin in order to receive signals from bodily functions without piercing or embedding the device into the body. During the test, there will be no electrical signals or radiation sent to the body. As a result, a sleep test is a safe, risk-free examination.

What is the benefit of a Sleep test?

Sleep tests can be used to diagnose and assess the severity of a disease. A specialized doctor will use the information gathered to develop treatment plans that are appropriate for each individual disease or condition, such as treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, adjusting the level of the device in the airways, oral appliances, pressure titration, or upper airway surgery. Sleep-related diseases should be treated systematically in order to prevent potential dangers that may occur during sleep.

The following conditions are associated with sleeping disorders:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• Nocturnal seizure
• Hypersomnia
• Insomnia
• Parasomnia
• Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder

Sleep Test, Knowing the disease, Treating it precisely

Sleep disorders are serious issues that should not be overlooked as they can cause symptoms such as insomnia, insufficient sleep, or a lack of motivation for work. Sleep disorders can be caused by various diseases or bodily abnormalities, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, and mood disorders. Poor sleep has an impact on one's overall quality of life, work performance, and daily responsibilities.

Therefore, a sleep test can help identify sleep disorders and provide crucial information that aids in diagnosis and precise treatment. This ensures the individual undergoing the examination has the ability to maintain overall good health, welcoming each new morning with a brighter day full of energy and freshness, as well as the efficiency to perform their daily lives and work completely.