How Does a Diagnostic Test Work to Diagnose My Sleep Disorder?

If falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested in the morning is a struggle, you may have a sleep disorder. 

At Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, we offer a range of diagnostic tests to identify and treat sleep disorders, helping patients finally get the rest they need. But how do these tests work, and what exactly are they looking for?

Here, our board-certified specialists in sleep medicine explain the most common sleep studies we perform, what they evaluate, and how the results guide your treatment.

Nocturnal Polysomnography (NPSG)

This overnight sleep study is the gold standard for diagnosing many sleep disorders. While you sleep, the NPSG monitors your brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, muscle activity, and eye movements.

What it detects:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Central sleep apnea
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Narcolepsy

Based on the results, you may need CPAP therapy, oral appliances, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Titration (CPAP)

If you have sleep apnea, we run a CPAP titration study to determine the ideal air pressure level to keep your airway open during sleep.

What it evaluates:

• Optimal CPAP settings for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Next steps: We may recommend using either a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or BIPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machine at home each night, which can help reduce apnea events and improve your sleep quality.

Split Night with CPAP Titration (NPSG/CPAP)

This convenient two-in-one test begins with a diagnostic NPSG. If obstructive sleep apnea is detected during the first part of the night, we promptly start CPAP titration in the second half, ensuring a smooth and effective process.

What it detects and treats:

• Confirms sleep apnea diagnosis
• Identifies effective CPAP pressure

This streamlined approach allows us to diagnose and treat in a single night.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

The MSLT evaluates how quickly you fall asleep during the day, following a nocturnal polysomnography the previous night. The test includes a series of scheduled naps under observation.

What it detects:

• Narcolepsy
• Idiopathic hypersomnia

Your treatment might include medication and behavioral changes to manage excessive daytime sleepiness.

Positive Airway Pressure Nap study (PAP-NAP)

This short daytime study helps patients who struggle with CPAP acclimation. It provides a low-pressure opportunity to try CPAP therapy in a controlled setting.

What it addresses:

• CPAP anxiety or intolerance

Patients who complete a PAP-NAP often feel more comfortable transitioning to full overnight CPAP use.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)

This test helps you see how well you can stay awake in a calm, dark setting. We usually use it to check how effective your treatment is or for specific job-related assessments.

What it evaluates:

• Ability to remain alert in sedentary situations
• Effectiveness of treatment for disorders like sleep apnea or narcolepsy

If the test indicates excessive sleepiness, we may make adjustments to your treatment or conduct additional diagnostic tests.

From diagnosis to treatment

Sleep disorders can affect every part of your life, from mood and memory to blood pressure and heart health. That’s why accurate diagnosis is essential. 

At Advanced Medical Care, our sleep specialists combine expertise with compassion to uncover the root of your sleep struggles and create a plan that gets results. If you’re ready to reclaim your nights and your energy, we’re here to help.

Call Advanced Medical Care to schedule a sleep consultation in Queens or Brooklyn, New York, or book online today.