What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a multi-channel clinical recording of your body’s biological activity during sleep. By tracking synchronized data from the brain, heart, and respiratory system, our specialists can identify the specific neurological or physical interruptions that prevent restorative rest.

We use sleep studies as a deep-dive diagnostic tool used to map your sleep habits. This involves monitoring the transitions between NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) and REM sleep stages to ensure your body is reaching the deep, regenerative phases necessary for cellular repair and cognitive function. Whether conducted in our dedicated Los Angeles lab or via a portable home device, the study captures high-resolution data on blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, and limb movements to uncover conditions that often go undetected during standard physical exams.

Sleep Study Benefits

A formal diagnosis serves as the foundation for longevity and cellular restoration. Beyond resolving immediate exhaustion, treating identified sleep disorders can:

• Extend Life Expectancy: Adopting healthy sleep habits identified through testing can add up to 4.7 years for men and 2.4 years for women.
• Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: Managing sleep apnea reduces the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and atrial fibrillation.
• Enhance Neurological Health: Quality sleep allows the brain to flush out toxins associated with Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
• Improve Metabolic Function: Diagnosis helps reverse insulin resistance and weight gain caused by chronic sleep deprivation.

What conditions can a Sleep Study diagnose?

A Sleep Study known as polysomnography (PSG) can diagnose various sleep disorders by monitoring physiological parameters during sleep. Common conditions diagnosed include insomnia, idiopathic hypersomnia, parasomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and bruxism. Through detailed analysis of brain waves, breathing patterns, muscle activity, and other sleep-related factors, PSGs can provide valuable insights into sleep quality and disturbances. This comprehensive evaluation enables our specialists to develop personalized treatment plans to address individual sleep concerns effectively.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often caused by stress, anxiety, or underlying health conditions. Our diagnostic process helps identify contributing factors and guide treatment strategies to improve sleep quality.

Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Excessive daytime sleepiness without an obvious cause. Our diagnostic process explores potential underlying issues contributing to hypersomnia, allowing for targeted interventions.

Parasomnia

Abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors. Through detailed Sleep Studies, we uncover the triggers and patterns of parasomnia to develop effective management strategies.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Uncontrollable urges to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Sleep Studies monitor leg movements and other physiological markers to effectively diagnose and manage restless leg syndrome.

Narcolepsy

Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, often accompanied by cataplexy or hallucinations. diagnostic tests help differentiate narcolepsy from other sleep disorders, facilitating appropriate treatment plans.

Bruxism

Teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, leading to dental issues and jaw pain. Sleep Studies evaluate muscle activity and sleep patterns to identify bruxism and recommend interventions to protect oral health.

What types of Sleep Studies are available through LAENT?

LAENT has access to  a range of advanced Sleep Studies tailored to comprehensively diagnose and address various sleep disorders. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide access to polysomnograms (PSG), CPAP titration studies, split night studies, BiPAP titration studies, ASV titration studies, multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT), and maintenance of wakefulness tests (MWT). Each type of Sleep Study is designed to evaluate specific aspects of sleep architecture, breathing patterns, and neurological activity, allowing our expert team to formulate precise treatment plans to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

HSAT

The Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) is a convenient diagnostic tool used to identify sleep apnea in individuals from the comfort of their own homes. By wearing a small, portable device that monitors key sleep parameters such as airflow, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and heart rate, users can undergo testing without the need for a traditional in-lab study. Once the test is completed, medical professionals analyze the data to determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. HSATs offer a practical alternative for those who may find in-lab studies inconvenient or inaccessible, ultimately improving sleep quality and overall health outcomes.

Polysomnogram

Comprehensive Sleep Study monitoring various physiological parameters, including brain waves, breathing, and heart rate, to diagnose sleep disorders accurately.

CPAP Titration

Adjusting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy during sleep to optimize treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and improve breathing.

Split Night Study

Combining diagnostic testing with CPAP titration in a single night to expedite treatment initiation for severe sleep apnea cases.

BiPAP Titration

Customizing bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy to address complex sleep apnea or provide additional respiratory support.

ASV Titration

Implementing auto-servo ventilation (ASV) therapy for central sleep apnea patients resistant to conventional treatments, ensuring adequate respiratory support during sleep.

Multiple Sleep Latency Tests

Evaluating daytime sleepiness and assessing narcolepsy symptoms by measuring sleep latency during scheduled naps throughout the day.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test

Assessing the ability to stay awake during quiet periods to determine daytime alertness levels and screen for sleep disorders.

Sleep Study Candidates

Sleep Studies are designed to help those who are experiencing persistent sleep disturbances such as sleep-disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness, and disruptive sleep behaviors. We welcome patients who are seeking answers to their sleep-related concerns and provide compassionate care to effectively address their needs.

Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation with our experienced sleep medicine physician, they will discuss your sleep history, symptoms, and concerns to determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach. You may be asked to complete questionnaires or maintain a sleep diary to provide more insight into your sleep patterns. Our team will guide you through the preparation process to ensure a comfortable and informative experience during your consultation.

The Sleep Study Procedure

When you arrive at our facility for an in-lab study, our technologist starts by applying a series of painless, non-invasive sensors to your scalp, face, chest, and legs using a specialized medical adhesive. These sensors are gathered into a single, flexible bundle with enough slack to allow you to roll over or change positions comfortably throughout the night. We’ll set you up on a comfortable bed in the clinic so as you sleep, our team can monitor a synchronized data stream of your brain waves, heart rhythm, and breathing patterns from a separate control room. 

In cases where severe obstructive sleep apnea is immediately evident, the technologist may perform a "split-night" study, introducing a CPAP mask during the second half of the night to determine the precise pressure settings required to keep your airway open. Once you wake in the morning, the sensors are removed quickly, allowing you to shower and return to your routine without any downtime.

Cost of a Sleep Study

Pricing reflects the complexity of the monitoring required and the environment of the test. We will give you a detailed quote during your consultation so you are prepared ahead of time. 

Most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare, cover sleep studies when they are deemed medically necessary for diagnosis. Your specific out-of-pocket cost is determined by your deductible and whether we are an in-network provider for your plan. For patients managing their own care, we accept financing through platforms like CareCredit to make comprehensive diagnostics manageable.

Why choose LAENT?

We are committed to providing exceptional care for patients with sleep disorders at the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy. Our board-certified specialists use cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to deliver comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. With a focus on patient-centered care and individualized treatment plans, we strive to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Learn More About Sleep Studies in Los Angeles, CA, at LAENT Today

Get the sleep you dream of by scheduling a consultation with the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy. Contact us today to learn more about our Sleep Studies and personalized treatment options.

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