Remote Sleep Study

1. Schedule a telehealth appointment to discuss symptoms and treatment with a Texas licensed, board certified sleep specialist and pulmonologist
2. Receive your sleep study test and instructions in the mail
3. Experience tailored treatment based on the results of your sleep study

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a diagnostic test conducted to evaluate and monitor various aspects of your sleep. It helps in diagnosing sleep disorders and understanding their underlying causes. The study records several parameters, including brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, eye movements, and muscle activity. Our board certified sleep specialists analyze the collected data to assess your sleep quality, identify any abnormalities, and make informed treatment recommendations. A sleep study is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing sleep-related issues, ultimately helping you achieve better sleep and overall well-being.

Refer to the Sleep Medicine section under the “Our Services” tab on our website to learn more about the sleep disorders we specialize in treating, along with helpful patient education resources.

What do sleep studies diagnose?

Sleep studies generally aim to identify and assess the following problems:

1. Sleep Apnea: Sleep studies help diagnose and determine the severity of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep.
2. Insomnia: Sleep studies can help identify and evaluate the underlying causes of insomnia, including difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep.
3. Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of falling asleep. Sleep studies help confirm the presence of narcolepsy and assess its severity.
4. Parasomnias: Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep, such as sleepwalking, sleep talking, or night terrors. Sleep studies can help diagnose and assess these parasomnias.
5. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Sleep studies can assist in diagnosing RLS, a condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by discomfort or pain, particularly during rest or at night.
6. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): PLMD is characterized by repetitive leg movements during sleep, causing disruptions and disturbances in sleep quality. Sleep studies can help identify and evaluate PLMD.
7. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): RBD is a sleep disorder in which individuals act out vivid dreams during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Sleep studies can help diagnose and assess the severity of RBD.>
8. Sleep-related movement disorders: Sleep studies can help diagnose and evaluate other movement disorders that occur during sleep, such as sleep-related bruxism (teeth grinding), sleep-related eating disorder, and sleep-related rhythmic movement disorder.
9. Evaluation of Sleep Architecture: Sleep studies provide information about the different stages of sleep, including the amount of time spent in each stage, the presence of abnormalities, and disruptions in sleep patterns.

By identifying and diagnosing these problems, sleep studies help our doctors develop appropriate treatment plans to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. If you are experiencing a sleep-related disturbance not represented on this list, you may still benefit from a sleep study.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

1. Loud and chronic snoring: Snoring is often a prominent symptom of sleep apnea, especially when it is loud, disruptive, and occurs consistently throughout the night.
2. Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling excessively tired or drowsy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep, can be a sign of sleep apnea.
3. Gasping or choking during sleep: Waking up abruptly feeling like you are gasping for air or choking could indicate episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep, a common sign of sleep apnea.
4. Pauses in breathing: Pauses in breathing during sleep, often reported by a bed partner or other witness, may be a sign of sleep apnea.
5. Worsening Lung Function: For individuals with existing lung or pulmonary conditions, sleep apnea can contribute to the deterioration of lung function over time. The repeated breathing interruptions and reduced oxygen levels associated with sleep apnea can exacerbate respiratory issues.
6. Morning headaches: Waking up with frequent morning headaches can be a result of decreased oxygen levels and disturbed sleep caused by sleep apnea.
7. Poor concentration and memory: Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory problems, and reduced ability to focus.
8. Irritability and mood changes: Sleep apnea can affect your mood, leading to irritability, mood swings, and feelings of depression or anxiety.
9. Frequent nighttime urination: Needing to use the bathroom frequently during the night could be a result of disrupted sleep caused by sleep apnea.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Sleep disorders can be effectively treated with various approaches depending on the severity and individual needs. Common treatment options include:

1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: CPAP is the most common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over the nose or nose and mouth during sleep. The mask is connected to a CPAP machine that delivers a flow of air pressure, keeping the airway open and preventing breathing disruptions.
2. Oral Appliances: For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be used to reposition the jaw and tongue, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. These custom-fitted devices are similar to mouthguards and are designed to be comfortable and improve breathing.
3. Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to address specific sleep disorders. For example, sleep aids can help with short-term management of insomnia, while other medications may be used to address specific symptoms of narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome.
4. Positional Therapy: For individuals with positional obstructive sleep apnea, positional therapy involves using special devices or techniques to encourage sleeping in a non-supine (non-back) position, which can help reduce the occurrence of apneas.
5. Surgery: In certain cases of sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders, surgical options may be considered. These can include procedures to remove obstructions or improve airway structure.
6. Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyle modifications can be beneficial in managing sleep apnea. These include maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, quitting smoking, and sleeping on your side instead of your back.

The appropriate treatment for your sleep disorder will be determined by our doctors after a thorough, personalized evaluation and diagnosis of your symptoms. We will consider the severity of your condition, individual needs, and preferences to create a tailored treatment plan and achieve optimal results for your specific case.

Is there a link between lung issues and sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea can be related to various factors, including lung and pulmonary issues in many cases. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. Lung and pulmonary conditions can contribute to the development or worsening of sleep apnea.

Certain pulmonary conditions that can increase the risk of sleep apnea or exacerbate existing sleep apnea include:

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD is a lung disease characterized by airflow obstruction. The narrowing of the airways and reduced lung function can increase the likelihood of sleep apnea.
2. Asthma: Asthma involves inflammation and constriction of the airways. Thus, sleep apnea can be more prevalent among individuals with asthma.
3. Pulmonary Hypertension: Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. It can cause changes in the structure of the blood vessels in the lungs, potentially leading to sleep-disordered breathing.
4. Restrictive Lung Diseases: Certain restrictive lung diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and chest wall abnormalities, can restrict lung expansion and affect breathing during sleep, contributing to sleep apnea.

The relationship between sleep apnea and lung issues can be complex. If you suspect a connection between your lung health and sleep difficulties, it is important to consult with a doctor who specializes in both sleep medicine and pulmonology for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations. The Lung and Sleep Center of North Texas is proud to specialize in both of these areas of medicine so that we may effectively treat your condition and set you on the path to better sleep.