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What is a Sleep Study?

Posted: Sept. 1, 2008

A sleep study is a test where you spend the night in a sleep lab. For an adequate test length, you will spend approximately eight to 10 hours with the sleep specialists. At Columbia St. Mary’s Sleep Center, the test is usually completed by 6 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

The sleep technologists will monitor your brain activity, heart, muscle tone, oxygen levels, breathing patterns and leg movements while you sleep. This is done by applying electrodes to your head, chin, chest and legs.

You will be spending the night in your own room at the center, while a sleep technologist monitors your sleep and observes you from a satellite room.

Treatment for sleep disorders
The Milwaukee Regional Sleep Disorders Center at Columbia St. Mary’s specializes in diagnosing and treating a variety of sleep problems and disorders.

Depending on the sleep disorder, treatment may include medication, behavioral therapy, sometimes surgery or other individualized treatment.

The most common treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP prevents your airway from closing while you sleep with a specially designed nasal mask. The flow of air creates enough pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open. CPAP is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you have significant sleep apnea, you may be a prime candidate for CPAP.

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