It may sound a little strange to hear, but not all sleep tests conducted at sleep clinics monitor you as you sleep. One of the tests you may be asked to take is called an MWT, or Maintenance of Wakefulness Test.

While most tests are designed to diagnose sleep disorders during sleep (polysomnogram), monitor how quickly patients fall asleep (MSLT), or to calibrate CPAP machines (CPAP titration) after breathing disorders are diagnosed, the maintenance of wakefulness test is intended to challenge patients to attempt to stay awake during periodic trials. 

If you are suffering from sleep troubles at night or experiencing troubles staying awake during the day, there is a good chance that you could have a sleep disorder.

Sleep disorders are medical conditions that can affect people's sleep patterns and habits. Many sleep disorders can also cause complications to your health and general well being if left untreated. The best way to get to the bottom of your sleep troubles is to have a sleep study performed, which can help diagnose your disorder and lead to proper treatment options.

But what exactly is a sleep study? How are they performed? What can they tell you about your sleep? And how do you go about getting one?

Here we walk you through all of the important steps from when you should get a sleep study to complying with your recommended treatment.

For 18 years, your parents created structure. There was a consistent dinner time, bedtime, and wake up time. The refrigerator maybe even had a color-coded list showing who in the house had what activity at what time and in what location.

You may have many questions as you prepare for your upcoming in-lab sleep study. You may even feel a lot of pressure and anxiety over making sure you get the right results so you can get back to restful sleep.

Sleep studies are the diagnostic tool used to identify sleep disorders.  These are performed under the care of sleep professionals in one of two settings: in-lab or a home sleep test.  There are pros and cons to each environment, but make no mistake.  Completing an in-lab study is proven to be much more effective and controlled than a home sleep test.

Active duty military personnel lead stressful lives.  Whether deployed abroad or serving stateside, demands on their time, bodies, and families can prove difficult to manage.  Studies have shown that this stress can negatively affect the sleeping habits of active duty military personnel.  According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, a recent study revealed that over 85% of active duty military suffer from some type of sleep disorder. 

Here’s the scenario: You live with and sleep next to a chronic snorer. They are a loud “bed partner“who unbeknownst to them are causing you sleepless nights too!  

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, and are looking to get it treated, chances are you'll have to have a polysomnogram (PSG) test performed to properly diagnose your disorder.

But what exactly is a polysomnogram test? How is it conducted? And what can it tell you about your sleep troubles?