Sleep Studies

Between 50-70 million Americans are affected by sleep disorders. At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, Dennis Kellar, MD, Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, and the team offer two types of sleep testing; in-home and in-lab tests. Based on your insurance and other medical conditions, you may be able to have a home sleep study in the comfort of your bed. The practice is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accreditation is the gold standard by which physicians in the community and patients evaluate sleep medicine services. Call the office to schedule your sleep study at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, or reach out online.

What is a sleep study?

Sleep studies are noninvasive, painless tests performed while you’re sleeping, either at the state-of-the-art sleep study facility at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine or at home, when possible. Sleep studies are used to identify problems that you experience during your sleep related to restlessness or breathing disorders that may make it difficult for you to sleep through the night or feel fully rested when you wake up in the morning.

How do sleep studies work?

Sleep studies use a variety of technologies to record your behaviors and breathing patterns while you sleep. The types of technologies used may include:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An EEG is used to track brain wave patterns while you sleep, including patterns for REM and non-REM sleep. The EEG is like a helmet or hairnet worn over your head while you sleep. It contains many small metal discs attached to wires that record your brain activity during the night.

Movement sensors

Movement sensors are used to track your eye movements, oxygen levels, heart and breathing rates, snoring, and body movements while you sleep. These sensors are noninvasive and don’t involve needles or other devices that may make sleep uncomfortable or difficult.

The data during your sleep study is collected and analyzed by the team to determine your diagnosis. In some cases, you may need to do a repeat sleep study on a second night to gather more data about your sleep for analysis.

What can I expect during a sleep study?

When you arrive for your sleep study at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, the team helps you settle into their state-of-the-art sleep facility, which is designed for the most restful sleep possible. You’ll have access to television and the Internet during your stay if you need help relaxing before going to sleep.

Once the sleep study equipment is set up, you can relax in the specially-designed private room with a comfortable full-size bed and high-quality sheets. The team aims to make your sleep study experience more comfortable than alternative facilities or hospitals that routinely conduct sleep studies. Home studies are also available when appropriate.

When you wake up in the morning, the team removes all of the medical devices, and you can go about your normal day. The team then analyzes the data collected and discusses their findings at your follow-up appointment.

Find out if a sleep study is right for you by calling or booking an online visit at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine.