Sleep Studies

Polysomnography

Polysomnography refers to the prolonged recording of electrical brain activity using EEG with other measures such as muscle tone, eye movements and respiration.

These recordings are used to assess the quality and quantity of your sleep, or to capture sleep-related behaviours.

This recording may be done while the patient stays for one or two nights on the Neuroscience Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital or Robin's Ward at Oxford Children's Hospital, or at home with the home video telemetry system.

Polysomnography studies may be performed in conjunction with Actigraphy and Multiple Sleep Latency Test.

Actigraphy

Actigraphy is a useful tool for assessing wake / sleep patterns. Activity levels are measured using a watch-like device which is worn for two to four weeks.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is done to check for excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a full day test that consists of three to four scheduled naps to measure how quickly the patient falls asleep.

This is usually carried out after one to two nights of polysomnography recording.