Sleep Testing

There are two major ways to perform sleep testing

Home Sleep Testing

Home sleep testing is carried out in the familiar surroundings of a person’s own home. Advantages include reduced cost, simplicity, and comfort. In fact, some insurance companies now mandate home testing unless there are specific reasons a lab study is required.

Home sleep testing may be the best choice for patients that are straightforward with a high likelihood of OSA. Home sleep testing is not the best choice if a sleep disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea is suspected or if you have a pulmonary disease, a neuromuscular disease, or congestive heart failure.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for home sleep testing, you need to stick to your regular routine on the day of your home sleep test. Naps and caffeine should be avoided. Dr. Nassar and Dr. Festic will advise you about the use of any medications that you routinely take.

You will use the WatchPAT™200 by Itamar or the ARES™ unit by Watermark Medical for your home sleep testing.

Both have been validated against Polysomnography (PSG) and have been determined to be very effective if used for the correctly selected patient.

Woman Sleeping
Sleep Test Evaluation

The dream team at Jacksonville Sleep Center will look at the information provided by your sleep test. Sleep testing collects information about your breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, snoring, sleeping position, and breathing pauses (apneas). This will allow us to determine if significant sleep apnea is present and if so, the severity. Dr. Nassar and Dr. Festic will go over the results and diagnosis with you and make recommendations for treatment or for further testing.

Sleep Center Testing

Dr. Nassar Speaks With A Patient

 Sleep center testing occurs on the premises of Jacksonville Sleep Center under the watchful care of a professional sleep team. A sleep test at the Jacksonville Sleep Center may be suggested for you to explore the possibility of sleep-related breathing disorders, assess sleep behaviors, determine the level of positive airway pressure that is needed to successfully treat CPAP patients, or to find out why a sleep disorder treatment is not successful. The information that is gathered during the sleep center testing is then used to diagnose and effectively treat a sleep disorder.

If it is determined that you need sleep center testing, you need to stick to your regular routine on the day of your sleep test. Naps and caffeine should be avoided. Before coming to the Jacksonville Sleep Center, you should shower and not use any gels or sprays. Dr. Nassar and Dr. Festic will advise you about the use of any medications that you routinely take. Since sleep center testing involves an overnight stay, you should bring everything necessary for you to follow your normal nightly routine.

Upon your arrival at Jacksonville Sleep Center, you will be greeted by a member of our sleep team. There may be questions to answer and paperwork for you to complete. Afterward, you will be shown to your room. All of our bedrooms are private and are appointed with a bathroom, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, and television. We strive for a clean and comfortable environment.

At your bedtime, a sleep team member will help you prepare for your polysomnogram by attaching sensors to your body. They monitor and record information about your brainwaves, heart rate and rhythm, breathing patterns, levels of oxygen in your blood, chin muscle activity, and leg, chest, and eye movements. Data is transmitted via wires to a computer in another room. Should they need adjustment during the night, a sleep team member will provide assistance.

Man Turning Off Alarm Clock

When you awaken in the morning, the sensors will be tested and removed. There may be questions to answer that pertain to your sleep center experience. Unless you are scheduled to take a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) or a maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT), your sleep center testing is complete. Test results are usually provided in one to two business days.

The multiple sleep latency test and the maintenance of wakefulness test are daytime sleep tests. They are administered during the day after your polysomnogram. They measure and detect different things.

The MSLT is useful in diagnosing sleep disorders that cause tiredness during the day and diagnose narcolepsy. The sensors used in the MSLT monitor and record information about your brainwaves, eye movements, your stages of sleep, the length of time it takes for you fall asleep. The test is conducted four or five times during the day with two-hour breaks in between. During the breaks you must remain awake.
The MWT measures your ability to stay awake and alert during the day. It is sometimes mandated for patients with occupational licenses such as pilots, truck drivers, and boat captains to ensure adequate wakefulness. The sensors used in the MWT monitor and record when you are awake or asleep. The approximately 40-minute sessions happen while you are sitting comfortably, looking straight ahead. There are two-hour breaks in between. During the breaks you must remain awake.

The sleep team at Jacksonville Sleep Center will look at the information provided by your sleep test(s).   The information is then used to make a diagnosis. Dr. Nassar and Dr. Festic will go over the results and diagnosis with you and make recommendations for treatment or for further testing.

If lack of quality sleep makes it hard to go about your normal daily tasks, contact Dr. Nassar and Dr. Festic at Jacksonville Sleep Center. They will work with you to diagnose and plan a course of treatment. Jacksonville Sleep Center is located at 6930 Bonneval Road – Suite 2 in Jacksonville. Call 904.854.6899 or click here to make an appointment. Get started on achieving the best rest of your life!

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