Two types of tests are used to evaluate for daytime sleepiness. They are called the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT). These tests are only completed the day after a nighttime sleep study, and are only performed in a small fraction of sleep patients. Specifically, the MSLT or MWT may be used in diagnoses such as narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. These procedures use the same electrodes applied the preceding night. If you are to undergo one of these procedures, it will be described to you in detail by our daytime technology staff. Briefly, the MSLT examines how easily you fall asleep when you are given the opportunity to take a nap at five points during the day, while the MWT challenges you to stay awake as you rest in a comfortable chair four times during the day.

In rare cases, a regular sleep study (polysomnogram, PSG) may be performed during the day; for example, in a long-term night shift worker. This will require special daytime staffing arrangements, and should be clearly arranged through our office. Testing during the day is exactly like testing at night. Our bedrooms are quite sound-resistant, and free of outside light, so you won't be bothered. Please refer to the above section pertaining to nighttime PSG testing for details regarding the procedure.

A routine EEG may be requested by a doctor for a broad range of diagnostic concerns.  It examines brain wave activity through the use of electrodes placed over the skin, and it is a very safe, painless procedure.  This testing is conducted during daytime office hours, as arranged through our staff.  We ask that you assist in test preparation by bathing (or showering) and shampooing your hair within 18 hours of your study; this will help remove skin and hair oils, which can interfere with our detection of small electrical signals.  You may also be asked in advance by our staff to be “sleep deprived” prior to your EEG study.  This means that you have gotten less that your desired amount of sleep the night before your study.  Typically, we ask that a person gets only 3-4 hours of sleep.  This allows us to collect a period of natural sleep during EEG testing, and tends to make the brain more irritable (along with the brain’s owner). It is important to remember that you will need to arrange transportation to and from the lab if you have been sleep-deprived; we don’t want you falling asleep behind the wheel!

Once you arrive at Sleep Insights for routine EEG testing, you will meet a technologist who will guide you to a testing bedroom, and will explain the procedure to you, answering any questions you may have.  The technologist will ask if you have any contact allergies to particular soaps or to latex.  We will ask that you sign a statement of consent (or that one be signed by a legal guardian) before any testing equipment is applied.  Even though this is a very safe test, there may be minor discomforts caused by the electrodes, the wires, or even the adhesives used to apply electrodes.  If you become uncomfortable, or have a skin reaction after the test, our staff will make sure that you are quickly cared for, and that your primary doctor is aware of your condition.

First, the technologist will measure your head, making small crayon marks on your scalp where the EEG electrodes will be attached.  For a routine EEG we place up to 24 electrodes on the scalp, and an electrode will be placed over the skin next to each eye, about a half-inch to the side, to watch eye movements during the study.  The heart’s electrical activity will be monitored by electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes over the chest and shoulder.  During the study you may be asked to hyperventilate (breath heavily) for up to five minutes, and you will undergo testing with a flashing (strobe) light.  You will then be asked to relax and sleep if you can.  At the conclusion of your study, the technologist will remove all testing equipment.  Please do not try to remove any of the equipment or electrodes yourself, as it may result in skin irritation and/or damage to the equipment.

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In situations where EEG and video monitoring have been requested, testing can be conducted for up to 23 hours.  Such testing may be requested to examine for evidence of epileptic seizures, and must be clearly arranged through our office to ensure proper staffing.  This testing examines brain wave activity through the use of electrodes placed over the skin, and it is a very safe, painless procedure.  This testing is conducted during daytime office hours, as arranged through our staff.  We ask that you assist in test preparation by bathing (or showering) and shampooing your hair within 18 hours of your study; this will help remove skin and hair oils, which can interfere with our detection of small electrical signals.  You will undergo testing in one of our bedrooms, under the observation of our technologists.

The technologist will ask if you have any contact allergies to particular soaps or to latex.  We will ask that you sign a statement of consent (or that one be signed by a legal guardian) before any testing equipment is applied.  Even though this is a very safe test, there may be minor discomforts caused by the electrodes, the wires, or even the adhesives used to apply electrodes.  If you become uncomfortable, or have a skin reaction after the test, our staff will make sure that you are quickly cared for, and that your primary doctor is aware of your condition.

In this examination a full set of brain wave (EEG) electrodes will be applied to the scalp, along with electrodes over the chest and shoulders for heart (ECG) activity, and tape over the skin on your finger for monitoring of oxygen level in the blood.  You will be able to get disconnected for brief periods for use of the bathroom, but we otherwise request that you remain in range of the video monitor during your test, in order to capture any episodes that occur.  Our office can provide snacks during your stay, but we will not be able to provide full meals.  Our facility has a microwave oven, refrigerator, and beverages, so meals can be brought from home.  Patients can also order food from nearby restaurants.  At the conclusion of your study, the technologist will remove all testing equipment.  Please do not try to remove any of the equipment or electrodes yourself, as it may result in skin irritation and/or damage to the equipment.