Sleep Center Studies

During sleep your body functions differently than when you are awake.

The only way to determine just how well your body is functioning is to record bodily functions using sensors.  The most accurate way to accomplish this is testing at a sleep center. We are fortunate to have a high quality center right here in the Berkshires. Our staff, which has a study completion rate of 100%,  will assist you through every step in the process.

We perform four types of studies:

Polysomnogram (PSG): An overnight study monitoring numerous aspects of sleep. Sleep stages and leg movements are recorded and provide a comprehensive evaluation. Other diagnoses and disorders may also present, such as narcolepsy or periodic leg movement disorder.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration: A nighttime study using a nasal CPAP. Diagnostic equipment used is same as PSG with the addition of a nasal mask. Device blows air into the nasal passages and prevents upper airway closure during sleep. This test determines the correct air pressure needed to effectively maintain an open airway.

Split Night Study: The same as a PSG for the first two hours. If in those two hours one meets the criteria for sleep apnea, then a CPAP device is applied and worn through the remainder of the night.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): A daytime study, which involves a series of naps. This study assesses daytime sleepiness. The diagnostic equipment used for a MSLT is less extensive than the nighttime study.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): The MWT is used in association with clinical history to assess the ability to maintain wakefulness. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and possibly other sleep disorders, who are employed in occupations involving public transportation or safety, may require assessment of their ability to remain awake. Performance of polysomnography immediately prior to the MWT is optional, and the decision should be made by the sleep clinician based upon clinical circumstances.

What to Expect:
We are located at the Hillcrest Campus of Berkshire Medical Center. You will enter through the Cancer Center Main Entrance and be greeted by your technician who will bring you to the Sleep Center. Please bring the following with you:

• Your own pillow (if you prefer)
• A completed sleep questionnaire
• A completed medication list
• Bed Clothing: Pajamas and Bathrobe (preferably 2 piece pajamas with an button front opening to allow for placement of sensors)
• Something to read or work on while awake
• Change of clothes for next day
• Any necessary medications  (none will be supplied)

We will provide:
• Showers & Towels
• Bedding
• Shampoo & Soap
• Cereal, granola bars, coffee & tea

Your technician will bring you directly to your room to settle in and change to bed clothing. Patients are reminded to wear 2 piece pajamas with a button front opening, if possible, to allow for placement of sensors. Each study may vary, but most will include placement of sensors on your body with straps, tape and/or water based paste. While you are sleeping, electrical currents, movement and sound generated inside of your body will be recorded using these sensors. Signals recorded include:

• Brain Waves: Electroencephalogram (EEG) seven electrodes on the scalp
• Heart Rate: Electrocardiogram (EKG) two electrode patches on chest
• Eye Movement: Electro-oculogram (EOG) electrode next to each eye
• Muscle Activity: Electromyogram (EMG): Electrodes on chin
• Leg Movements: 2-4 electrodes on lower legs
• Airflow: Sensor attached on upper lip and nasal/oral cannula
• Breathing Movements: Belts around chest and abdomen
• Oxygen Level and Pulse Rate: Probe wrapped around finger
• Microphone Sensor: taped to neck

You will be sleeping in a private, comfortable, secure bedroom setting (bariatric beds are available) and technician will be monitoring you from a control room. Technician will view your progress throughout the night and gather thousands of data points over an 8-10 hour period, which will later be reviewed by one of our physicians. There will be an open line of communication between you and your technician, in the event you have any questions throughout the night. Your completed study will conclude between 5:30-6:00AM. You are welcome to stay to shower before returning home or to work, but must leave the department by 6:30AM.

The technician will not be able to provide results the night of your test as a thorough review is required by our physicians. All information collected during your stay is compiled into a comprehensive final report and sent to your health care provider within 2 weeks. If treatment is recommended, we can work closely with your provider on an individualized treatment plan.