Description of our services

Diagnostic Sleep Services at Delta Waves:

Sleep Consultation

An in-depth evaluation of your patient’s sleep-complaints, sleep history and physical examination by our board certified sleep specialist. In some cases a definitive diagnoses can be made and treatment can prescribed following the sleep consultation. However, the diagnosis may need to be confirmed or excluded by the use of an overnight polysomnogram.

Our sleep specialist will discuss your patient’s concerns, perform a physical examination, and arrange for any testing that may be necessary. He will then discuss any treatment options with your patient that may be necessary.All clinical notes and medical records related the patient’s sleep consultation will be promptly faxed to their referring physician after their appointment.

Diagnostic Polysomnogram (PSG)

A PSG is a non-invasive diagnostic test that records a patient’s physiological and behavioral activity during sleep. A PSG uses various sensors placed at different points on the body to monitor brain activity (electroencephalogram-EEG), muscle tone (electromyogram- EMG), eye movements (electro-oculogram-EOG) and respiratory effort and airflow. The PSG also records blood oxygen saturation, heart rate and body position.

The collection of data recorded in this manner provides a representation of a patients sleep patterns, allowing for further assessment and interpretation of their sleep related problems.

A polysomnogram is considered an outpatient procedure and is most commonly conducted overnight in our sleep center. 

Polysomnogram with Positive Airway Pressure (Split Night and PAP titration)

An overnight polysomnogram for patients meeting the diagnostic criteria for a sleep related breathing disorder such as sleep apnea.Delta Waves conducts two types of PSGs with PAP therapy:

Split Night Polysomnogram: In some cases, we are able to ‘split’ a patient’s study into two parts, allowing for diagnosis and treatment in the same night. If the patient meets the predefined criteria for a sleep related breathing disorder during their initial diagnostic study, PAP therapy will be initiated. The focus of the second half of the patients PSG will be the treatment of their sleep disordered breathing.In some cases treatment may not be completed during a split night study, and a follow up full night PAP titration may then be recommended.

PAP Titration Polysomnogram: A sleep study focusing on the treatment of a sleep related breathing disorder with the optimum positive airway pressure. The technician adjusts the pressure throughout the night to eliminate disordered breathing events as they are presented. Types of PAP titration studies: CPAP, Bi-PAP, Bi-PAP ST, Bi-PAP auto SV.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime sleep study used to document the severity a patient’s daytime sleepiness or chronic fatigue. It is typically preceded by an overnight diagnostic polysomnogram.The MSLT is used to evaluate individuals who are thought to have narcolepsy or a circadian rhythm disorder. A MLST may also be used to distinguish physical fatigue from true excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

Fewer sensors are required to record the patient’s physiological activity during the MSLT than during the overnight study. However, EEG, EOG, EMG, ECG, oxygen levels and heart rate will continue to be monitored throughout the various naps.

The study consists of five 20-minute naps scheduled 2 hours apart, the first of which is started two hours after the patient wakes up from the overnight polysomnograph. The presence or absence of REM sleep is the most important measurement made on the MSLT.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is similar to an MLST however it tests a patient’s ability to stay awake. Often a MWT will follow an overnight night sleep study, but this is not necessary in all cases.A MWT is used to evaluate a patient’s ability to resist sleep in a quiet dimly lit room without any form of stimulation such as talking, singing, pinching themselves or tapping your feet.

The patient will be asked to relax into a semi reclining position and instructed to resist sleep for a 40 minute time period. These tests will occur every two hours, four times during the day.

A MWT is most commonly used for commercial drivers, pilots and people who work around heavy equipment to help determine if they can perform their job safely.

 

To view / download a copy of our Sleep Services Form click here.