Overview
The first step in dealing with a sleep problem is having it adequately evaluated and diagnosed. An accurate diagnosis is critical in informing the correct treatment of a condition. Many sleep problems may be adequately assessed and treated by a competent family physician. More complicated sleep difficulties, however, require a comprehensive assessment at a specialized sleep clinic.
Such an assessment generally begins with a history and physical by a qualified sleep specialist. Supplementary data may also be gathered from a number of questionnaires. Sleep patterns may be assessed using either a sleep diary or actigraphy. The data obtained through such means will help clarify one's sleep difficulties and point towards specific diagnosis or list of possible diagnoses.
A key part of a comprehensive sleep assessment is a sleep study or polysomnography. This involves sleeping overnight in a sleep laboratory and monitoring various aspects of one's sleep including sleep stages, breathing and body movements. Polysomnography helps characterize the quantity and quality of one's sleep and may establish a specific diagnosis.
Overnight polysomnogoraphy in some cases may be followed by day tests that are used to assess daytime sleepiness and wakefulness, in particular the Multiple Sleep Latency Test and the Mmaintenance of Wakefulness Test.
A number of other tests may also help in making a diagnosis.
