HOW ARE SLEEP DISORDERS DIAGNOSED?

Sleep specialists can diagnose and help you manage your sleep disorder. In order to diagnose your disorder, your neurologist will evaluate your symptoms.

The evaluation starts with a visit to the sleep doctor’s clinic. The staff will ask you about your sleep history and perform diagnostic tests. Sometimes a test for daytime sleepiness is done.

You may be asked to keep a sleep/wake diary to record patterns not recognized by you or your doctor.

You may also need an overnight sleep study to measure the quality of your sleep by observing body functions as you sleep. These include heart rate, electrocardiogram, breathing, snoring, brain activity eye movements, body movements, and oxygen level.

Tests may involve applying sensors to your body that are easily removed the next morning. You may also be videotaped so your doctor can see your sleep problem firsthand.