Baylor Health Care SystemAbout B

Sleep Disorders

Baylor Medical Center at Garland

 
Need something? Call us: 1.800.4BAYLOR(1.800.422.9567)
Text Size:
Share This Page |

Diagnosing Sleep Disorders 

Getting an accurate picture of a patient’s sleep behavior is vital to developing an effective course of treatment for a sleep disorder. That’s why the Baylor Garland Sleep Center is available to patients during their normal sleeping hours. We want our patients to go to sleep and wake up when they normally do.

Typically, patients will visit the Sleep Center for an initial overnight diagnostic study, then, based on test results, follow-up with another study.

The third visit to the Sleep Center is to meet with a board-certified sleep specialist on the Baylor Garland medical staff to develop a treatment plan.  

Initial Visit

During the first night’s stay, patients will undergo a diagnostic study called a polysomnography (PSG). A PSG is used to diagnose or rule out certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, REM behavior disorder and parasomnias.

The test involves attaching wire sensors to various parts of the body to measure a range of bodily functions, including breathing, heart beat, eye movement and more. The data is monitored by a sleep technician throughout the night.

Once the study is complete, the director of the Sleep Center will call with the results, answer any questions and explain the next steps.

Follow-up Visit

If sleep apnea, a common condition, is diagnosed, patients will return to the Sleep Center for a second night’s stay. Before going to sleep, patients will be fitted with a continuous positive airway pressure mask (CPAP) to help regulate breathing.

The effects of the mask will be measured and should help improve your sleep.

If narcolepsy is supspected, your second visit will occur during the daytime. You will undergo a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), which measures daytime sleepiness. During the study, wire sensors are placed on the head, face and chin to measure when you fall asleep and REM sleep.

Sleep Specialist Consultation

All patients, regardless of their sleep condition, will meet with a board-certified sleep specialist on the Baylor Garland medical staff. The specialist will review your test results with you and work with you to develop a personalized sleep treatment plan.