In-depth Sleep Studies at Dignity Health

As many as 40 million Americans are afflicted by more than 70 types of sleep disorders. Whether insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or sleep apnea, sleep disorders can have serious consequences. A sleep study is used to examine sleep quality and body behavior, and can help diagnose your sleep problems.

Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California has a comprehensive team of expert neurologists, pulmonologists, psychologists, and otolaryngologists, who work with you and your sleeping partner to diagnose sleep disorders and provide the appropriate treatment.

Our sleep disorder program is anchored by two sleep centers, located in Sacramento and Woodland, CA. Offering the latest digital technology and a staff with years of clinical experience, both centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Talk to your doctor or call 1.888.800.7688 for a referral to see one of our sleep specialists and schedule a sleep study in Sacramento or Woodland.

Why a Sleep Study is Performed

A sleep study can provide information about a variety of sleep conditions, including:

• Narcolepsy, marked by sudden and unexpected daytime sleepiness
• Sleep apnea, marked by multiple pauses in breathing
• Restless legs syndrome, marked by sensations often relieved by moving your legs

Sleep disorders increase your risk of developing heart disease and other conditions. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study if you have sleep disorder signs and symptoms, including:

• Ongoing daytime sleepiness
• Trouble falling asleep
• Chronic snoring or interruptions in breathing as you snore
• Waking in the middle of the night for prolonged periods or waking earlier than desired
• Crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, particularly when you are relaxing or dozing off
• Jerking leg or arm movements as you sleep

Our Sleep Study Procedure in the Sacramento Region

In most cases, a sleep study requires you to spend the day or night at a Dignity Health sleep center. Caffeine and alcohol should not be consumed during the afternoon and evening before the sleep study. Sticky electrodes are placed on your body to record breathing, movements, blood oxygen levels, and other data.

There are four main types of sleep studies:

• Polysomnogram (PSG) can detect disorders such as sleep apnea. You go to sleep as you would at home while wearing monitoring equipment.
• Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) measures your ability to stay awake during the day. You will be asked to sit silently in a chair looking straight ahead for 40 minutes at a time without falling asleep.
• Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is a daytime sleep test usually performed after a PSG. After you wake from a PSG, you try to fall asleep again in a darkened room.
• Portable home sleep monitor is equipment you use at home. Your doctor or sleep center personnel will instruct you how to use the equipment to monitor your sleep in your own bed.

Your sleep study results will allow our team of experts to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your health needs and lifestyle.