All of the tests that we conduct at the Methodist Sleep Disorders Center are performed according to the policies and protocols recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). The AASM is the organizational body that accredits sleep testing labs and centers.

Polysomnographic Testing
This is a sleep study in which a computer is used to display all of the functions of the body organs and organ systems while the patient is awake and asleep. Once the monitoring equipment is gently applied to the patient, the following organs and organ systems are recorded for monitoring:

• Channels of brain wave activity
• Air flow from the patient's mouth and nose
• Right and left eye movements
• Chest and stomach breathing movements
• Oxygen levels in the blood
• Heart rate and rhythm
• Chin muscle activity
• Leg and arm muscle activity

Using microphones, we record snoring, teeth grinding, chewing and talking. These microphones also serve as a way for the patient to communicate to us during the study.

A body position sensor tells us if you are on your lying on your back, right side, left side or stomach throughout the study.

Infrared video cameras allow us to monitor normal and abnormal body movements in your sleep as well as to verify the body position.

If you are diagnosed with a sleep related breathing disorder, such as sleep apnea, we may also use the following equipment to monitor you during the study:

• A device that delivers oxygen by a tube positioned in front of each of your nostrils.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
  A mask is placed on your face and connected by a hose to a piece of equipment. This device blows air into your nose and windpipe, forcing your windpipe to stay open while you sleep.
• Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)
  This device is similar to the CPAP except that the pressure of the air that you breathe in is slightly higher than the pressure of the air that you breathe out.

Multiple Sleep Latency Tests
These are daytime nap tests that we perform to diagnose sleep disorders such as Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnolence Syndrome. We record all of the same body systems during the nap studies that we do doing a sleep study.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests
These are daytime nap tests that we perform to see if a person can stay awake in a sleep conducive environment, e.g., in a dark, quiet room. The Federal Aviation Administration often requires this test to be performed on pilots who are suspected of having a sleep disorder.