Sleep Studies
What Is an Overnight Sleep Study?
Sometimes it is necessary to observe a child's sleep in a sleep laboratory in order to better understand problems that could be causing his or her sleep disorder.
A test called polysomnography (PSG) that measures the different stages of sleep is used to help diagnose and classify different sleep problems. Specific measurements of breathing, brain activity, muscle movements, eye movements and leg movements are taken while you are sleeping.
The sleep study does not involve any painful procedures. All measurements are taken using electrodes / probes (small sticky discs / clips applied to the skin) and belts around your chest. Each of these measurements is specifically designed with comfort in mind.
What is the purpose of the sleep study?
Sleep is a very complicated activity that involves many different systems in your body (e.g., brain, heart and lungs). Many times it is impossible to understand the cause of sleep problems without undergoing PSG. For example, the only way to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is to do an overnight sleep study. During your sleep study a lot of information about your body during sleep is gathered and then scored by a trained sleep specialist. Once your study has been completed and scored, your sleep specialist should review the results with you.
Can my child really sleep in a strange room with a bunch of wires connected to her body?
We have set up our sleep lab to be as comfortable as possible. You will be working with sleep technicians who have expertise in working with children. Most of the PSG equipment is in a separate room and all of the lead wires are connected in a way that will make your child most comfortable. While we know that your child's sleep will likely not be exactly like at home, most children are able to fall asleep in the sleep laboratory without too much difficulty. You will be with your child during the night.
What if my child is scheduled for a nap study?
If your child has been scheduled for a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), she will need to stay at the sleep center for most of the following day for a series of short naps. These naps will start on the morning after your overnight study. The naps will be scheduled for set intervals to help understand how sleepy your child is during the day.
Should my child stay on his medications for the sleep study?
You should discuss this with your sleep specialist. It is often necessary to discontinue certain medications briefly for the sleep study. Certain medications can affect sleep and the measurements taken during PSG.
What happens after the sleep study is done?
You will likely be scheduled for a follow up appointment with your sleep specialist to discuss the results of your child's sleep study and recommendations for treatment.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Written 10/04; Rev. 08/06
