Types of Sleep Studies

We conduct the following sleep studies at the University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Center:

PSG Study: The First Test

Your first study is a PSG (polysomnogram). It determines if you have sleep apnea. During this study, we will hook you up to electrodes that will monitor you while you sleep. The study will monitor body functions such as brain waves, heart rate, leg movements and breathing during sleep.

One of our physicians will score and read this test within 7-10 days. The physician will call you with your results.

If the test shows positive for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you will need a second test called a titration study. Physicians like to have 2 weeks between the PSG and the titration study in order to get good readings.

Titration Study

During the titration study, one of our technicians will hook you up again to the electrodes. You will also wear a mask and use a CPAP or BiPAP machine during the test. The technician will monitor you during the night and adjust the air pressure in your mask according to written protocol and your needs. As the air pressure is adjusted, we will be able to find the correct pressure to control your OSA.

Split Night Study

A split night study includes both the PSG and titration study on the same night. Our sleep medicine physician can determine if you would be a good candidate for this type of study. Certain criteria must be met in order to get a good sleep study reading (i.e., amount of time recorded, etc.). In the event all of the criteria are not met, you will need to return to the Sleep Lab in order to complete the study.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MSLT is a daytime test that follows the overnight sleep study. During the MSLT, you are monitored at the Sleep Laboratory and have a series of nap trials during the day.