What is sleep testing?

Sleep testing, or a sleep study (polysomnography), is a test that can help identify the cause of your sleep problems. Testing assesses each stage of your sleep cycle, recording in detail your:

• Brain waves

• Breathing patterns

• Oxygen levels

• Heart rate

• Eye movements

• Leg movements

This information can help the team at Century Sleep Inc. diagnose the cause of your disrupted sleep.

In-center sleep testing takes place in Century Sleep Inc.’s state-of-the-art sleep center in West Los Angeles. They’re stylishly designed, featuring warm, friendly décor. They’ve been outfitted with queen-size beds, recliners, and LED TVs. The aim is to provide a comfortable setting that makes it easier for patients to relax, providing better results than in a hospital setting.

Why might I need to undergo in-center sleep testing?

You might need to undergo in-center sleep testing if you’re experiencing symptoms of a sleeping disorder. Some of the disorders a sleep study can identify include:

• Sleep apnea

• Insomnia

• Sleepwalking

• Restless leg syndrome

• Narcolepsy

• REM sleep behavior disorder

If you already have a diagnosis that confirms a sleep disorder, further sleep studies can be useful for assessing your treatment, especially if you’re still experiencing symptoms.

What happens when I undergo in-center sleep testing?

During in-center sleep testing, you wear sensors on different areas of your body that transmit the information on your sleeping patterns to the control room.

The Century Sleep Inc. team monitors your:

• Brain waves

• Muscle activity

• Eye movements

• Breathing

• Heart rate

You get to sleep in a regular queen-sized bed, but you might still find it more difficult to sleep in a strange setting, especially when you're all wired up. Despite the drawbacks of sleep studies, they can still provide valuable information about what happens when you’re asleep.

Most people stay overnight at the sleep center, but if you work at night, you may be able to arrange to sleep through the day instead.

What happens after my in-center sleep testing is over?

After your sleep testing is complete, you can go home and carry on with life as normal. At your subsequent appointment at Century Sleep Inc., you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation to better understand what’s causing your sleep problem.

Based on your specific diagnosis, your provider creates a customized treatment plan for you and thoroughly explains how it’s going to help alleviate your sleeping problem. They may recommend insomnia therapy, a positive airway pressure (PAP) device, or alternative therapies. 

To find out more about in-center sleep testing, contact Century Sleep Inc. by phone or request an appointment online today.