Sleep disorders can significantly impact your overall health and quality of life. At Cape Fear Valley Health, our team of sleep specialists is dedicated to providing personalized, evidence-based care to help you overcome your sleep challenges and achieve restful, restorative sleep.
Types of Sleep Studies and Treatments
Polysomnogram (In-Lab Sleep Study)
A polysomnogram, or in-lab sleep study, is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. During this overnight test, you'll be monitored in a comfortable, private room at our sleep lab, where we'll measure your brain waves, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and more. This comprehensive data allows our experts to accurately identify the cause and severity of your sleep issues, enabling us to develop an effective treatment plan.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
For some patients, a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) may be a suitable alternative to the in-lab sleep study. During a HSAT, you'll be provided with a portable device to use in the comfort of your own home, which collects data on your breathing, oxygen levels, and other key indicators of sleep apnea. This option can be more convenient for some patients, while still providing the necessary information for an accurate diagnosis.
CPAP Titration Study
If a sleep study confirms the presence of sleep apnea, the next step is to determine the optimal pressure setting for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. During a CPAP titration study, you'll spend a night in our sleep lab while we gradually adjust the CPAP pressure to find the perfect setting that keeps your airway open and ensures uninterrupted, restful sleep.
Am I a Candidate for a Sleep Study?
You may be a candidate for a sleep study if you experience:
Snoring
Persistent, loud snoring that disrupts your or your partner's sleep
Breathing irregularites
Frequent pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by gasping or choking sounds
Fatigue
Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, even after a full night's sleep
Concentration
Difficulty concentrating or memory issues
Mood
Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
Cardiovascular issues
High blood pressure or other cardiovascular health concerns
Samuel A Fleishman, MD
- Sleep Medicine
Amita S Shetty, MD
- Sleep Medicine
Our Approach to Sleep Study Treatment
At Cape Fear Valley Health, our multidisciplinary team of sleep experts, including board-certified sleep medicine physicians, respiratory therapists, and sleep technologists, work together to provide comprehensive, personalized care. We offer a full range of sleep study and treatment options, including:
- In-lab polysomnograms
- Home sleep apnea tests (HSATs)
- CPAP titration studies
- Oral appliance therapy
- Surgical interventions, when appropriate
Our goal is to work closely with you to identify the underlying cause of your sleep issues and develop a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. We'll guide you through each step of the process, from the initial sleep study to the implementation of your personalized treatment, ensuring you receive the care and support you need to achieve optimal sleep and improve your overall health.
What to Expect with a Sleep Study
Whether you're undergoing an in-lab polysomnogram or a home sleep apnea test, our team will provide you with a detailed overview of what to expect during the process. During an in-lab sleep study, you'll spend the night in one of our comfortable, private rooms, where our experienced sleep technologists will monitor your sleep and collect the necessary data. For a home sleep apnea test, we'll provide you with the portable device and instructions for its proper use, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.