Sleep Studies

Patients with sleeping problems often present The Cardiopulmonary Centre with fatigue, black bags around their eyes, constant yawning, confusion, throat pain from snoring and the inability to hold a thought.

Inability to sleep soundly is one of the most important factors contributing to a reduced quality of life, we recognise that and are committed to tackling this widespread problem. There are three elements to our sleep study programme: the survey, the test (with analysis) and the implementation of solutions to the sleep problem.

Portable sleep study

The most straightforward method to perform sleep studies, this involves an appointment at the Centre where you perform a consultation with a clinical physiologist, complete our sleep survey forms, we fit the monitor and allow you to relax and use the monitor for 30 minutes to tailor it to your exact requirements. It is most important that when you take the monitor home, that you are comfortable using it and able to sleep with it.

This small monitor can be used in the patient's home as a screening tool to identify Sleep Disordered Breathing. Two non-invasive sensors are used to record multiple parameters whilst the patient sleeps. Sleep Apnoea can be easily identified by using this basic device.

Full in-hospital overnight sleep study

This is the ultimate sleep study analysis system. We use this measurement system for those patients who have severe sleep apnoea or who have other disorders which may have a musculoskeletal or neurological element in their manifestation. This measurement method is termed Nocturnal Polysomnography (PSG).

Nocturnal Polysomnography (PSG) provides an extensive analysis of sleep and is the 'gold standard' for sleep diagnostics. It involves sleeping overnight at London Bridge Hospital with multiple sensors attached to various parts of your body. PSG measures and quantifies various physiologic variables such as eye movements (EOG), brain waves (EEG), heart rhythm (ECG), skeletal muscle activation (EMG) and airflow throughout the night. It even uses a night-vision camera and microphone to listen to snoring.

PSG is used to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) as well as evaluating other abnormalities which have an effect on daytime functioning. If OSAS is detected, a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) can be administered through London Bridge Hospital to reduce apnoeas and alleviate symptoms. Alternative treatment can be provided and is dependant on your PSG outcome.


Reference

Butkov, N. & Lee-Chiong, T.L., 2007. Fundamentals of Sleep Technology. Lippincott Williams & Witkins.