Sleep Laboratory

What is a Sleep Laboratory?

Sleep is the physiological state during which the body temporarily disengages from daily activities to restore both physical and mental balance through complex biological and chemical processes. Considering that nearly one-third of human life is spent sleeping, the importance of this function becomes evident. During sleep, the body repairs and rejuvenates itself, supporting overall health and well-being.

Sleep medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related disorders such as excessive sleepiness, insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders, and disturbances that affect wakefulness or overall sleep quality. More than 80 different sleep and wake disorders have been identified, all of which can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. The most common sleep disorders include:

• Sleep apnea (sleep-related breathing cessation)

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)

• Restless legs syndrome

• Snoring

• Adjustment insomnia

• Learned insomnia

• Sleepwalking (somnambulism)

Which Conditions Are Evaluated in the Sleep Laboratory?

The sleep laboratory evaluates various sleep and breathing disorders, including:

• Snoring

• Sleep-related breathing cessation

• Chest pain during sleep

• Nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias

• Insufficient or fragmented sleep

• Dry mouth during or after sleep

• Night sweats, particularly around the neck

• Narcolepsy

• Periodic limb movement disorder causing daytime fatigue

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is among the most common sleep disorders. It occurs when airflow through the mouth and nose stops temporarily despite normal respiratory effort in the chest and abdomen. After an apneic episode, the patient resumes breathing abruptly with loud snoring or gasping movements.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Include:

• Loud snoring

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Atypical chest pain

• Cardiac rhythm disturbances

• Shortness of breath or choking sensation during sleep

• Hypertension

• Pulmonary complications

• Morning headaches

• Impaired memory or concentration

• Decreased libido

• Decision-making difficulties

• Depression and psychosis

• Night sweats and dry mouth

• Gastroesophageal reflux

• Physical and mental exhaustion

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

The diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) require a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment options are typically divided into medical and surgical interventions.

Medical Treatment

Medical management focuses primarily on lifestyle modifications and non-invasive therapies. Obesity is a major risk factor for OSA, making weight control a critical component of treatment. Patients are encouraged to sleep on their side instead of their back, as supine sleeping can exacerbate apnea and snoring. Traditional techniques—such as sewing a small object (like a tennis ball) onto the back of the pajamas—are still used to discourage sleeping on the back. Additionally, mechanical devices such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure), or custom-designed oral and nasal appliances help maintain open airways during sleep.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical procedures are considered when anatomical obstructions contribute to OSA or snoring. The goal is to eliminate or bypass the site of obstruction. Common surgical interventions include:

• Tongue base surgery

• Soft palate and tonsil surgery

• Adenoidectomy and other nasopharyngeal surgeries

• Nasal surgeries such as turbinate reduction, polypectomy, septoplasty, or valve surgery

Sleep Laboratory Process

During a sleep study (polysomnography), patients are asked to bring their own pajamas and personal items. They arrive at the sleep laboratory a few hours before their usual bedtime to adapt to the environment and allow time for electrode placement. Once prepared, the patient is invited to relax and sleep naturally.

Throughout the night, sleep technicians monitor the patient from a separate control room and assist if needed. Although the awareness of being monitored may cause brief awakenings, sufficient sleep data can still be collected for analysis. Polysomnography results are reviewed by a specialist physician, and an individualized treatment plan is determined based on the findings.

Tests Performed in the Sleep Laboratory

Polysomnography (Sleep Test)

Polysomnography is one of the most comprehensive tests used to diagnose sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea. During the test, various sensors are attached to different parts of the body to record brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rate, respiratory patterns, and limb movements. The greater the number and sensitivity of sensors, the more detailed the analysis becomes. Polysomnography helps determine the severity of the disorder and guides the development of an effective treatment plan.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

EEG records the brain’s electrical activity using electrodes attached to the scalp. The signals are amplified and displayed as wave patterns on a monitor, reflecting the brain’s electrical function. The test is performed while the patient sits comfortably with eyes closed and typically takes 10–15 minutes. EEG is a reliable and informative tool for investigating progressive and non-progressive central nervous system disorders.

EMG (Electromyography)

EMG consists of two main components: electroneurography (ENG) and electromyography (EMG). The test involves stimulating specific nerves with low-voltage electrical impulses and recording the sensory or motor responses they produce. In the second phase, fine needle electrodes are inserted into targeted muscles to assess their electrical activity and interaction with motor nerves. This test provides information about the functional status of muscles, nerves, and neuromuscular junctions. The procedure typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.