Nocturnal Myoclonus . Frequent leg jerks or movements that disrupt sleep are the major symptoms of this sleep disorder. Types of sleep studies Polysomnogram . This overnight sleep study evaluates the patient's physical state during sleep periods. Each study lasts about 9 hours, including the time to prepare the monitors.
Patients generally arrive two hours before their bedtime.
Various sensors and electrodes are attached to the patient to measure brain waves, eye movements, muscle tension, respiration, heart rate and oxygen saturation. This test consists of 4 to 5 short naps throughout the day at 2 hour intervals. An MSLT measures the severity of daytime sleepiness. If the initial polysomnogram shows a significant breathing disorder during sleep, such as sleep apnea, a second study is sometimes requested to evaluate response to CPAP treatment. CPAP is a method of delivering the necessary pressure through a nasal mask to maintain an open airway during sleep.