Services Offered at the Sleep Diagnostic Center

Using state-of-the-art equipment, the UCLA Sleep Diagnostic Center offers numerous types of sleep studies to help diagnose a number of sleep disorders.

Nocturnal polysomnogram (NPSG): The standard overnight diagnostic sleep study used to assess sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorders, insomnia, 24-hour sleep-wake cycle disruptions and so on. The study includes various physiological measurements such as respiratory effort and airflow, EEG (brain waves), EKG (Heart), EMG (muscle movement), oxygen saturations and snoring. These parameters are standard on every overnight sleep study both diagnostic and therapeutic.

Split night study: A sleep study which combines a two-to-four-hour diagnostic test and a therapeutic test in the same night. This study is possible for every adult so that patients with severe OSAS may be treated immediately. If a patient is not "split" to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) then the study is run as an NPSG. The patient may return for a full night of CPAP if the diagnostic test finds evidence of sleep apnea and treatment is advised.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration: A therapeutic study used to treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study is to explore a variety of CPAP pressures to determine which is the most effective in eliminating apneic events and snoring.

Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) titration: An alternate therapeutic study used to treat patients who require higher pressures than CPAP allows or for those who are intolerant of CPAP. Pressures are explored on the inhalation and an alternate pressure on exhalation. This pressure spread is used to ease breathing.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD): A modified NPSG with electrodes added to the arms (in addition to the legs) to determine the presence of movement during REM, a stage of sleep during which the muscles are immobile. This study is performed if a patient is suspected of acting out his/her dreams at night.

NPSG with end tidal CO2: A modified NPSG utilizing end tidal CO2 monitoring. This is a useful addition to the airway recording to assist in the detection of obesity hypoventilation and hypercapnia, or CO2 retention. ETCO2 recording is considered the gold standard for pediatric polysomnography.

Expanded electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep recording: An NPSG performed with a full EEG montage during recording. This study is used to detect the presence of nocturnal seizures in addition to other sleep disorders.

Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): A study performed during the day after a full diagnostic NPSG, this study is used to objectively determine a patient's level of sleepiness after a night’s sleep. The MSLT is a series of five timed tests, two hours apart, during which we look to see whether a patient falls asleep, how quickly and what stage of sleep the patient reaches. The MSLT is most commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy or some degree of excessive daytime sleepiness. These studies are generally run on the weekends to ensure the environment is quiet.

Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT): A study performed to determine whether a patient is able to remain awake in a sleep-induced environment. The MWT is used to assess the efficacy of the treatment of a sleep disorder.

Home sleep apnea testing (HSAT): Allows patients to be evaluated for sleep apnea in the comfort of their own home. Using a portable monitoring device, the study records breathing and oxygen levels during sleep. Our sleep specialists then analyze the results and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Durable medical equipment: The UCLA Sleep Center is currently contracted with Medicare and most PPO insurances to provide durable medical equipment, such as CPAP, Bilevel and AVAPS devices for use in the home. If your insurance allows, we will obtain authorization and meet with you face-to-face at the lab for about 1 hour to show you the proper use of the equipment and answer any questions you may have.