Variety of tests exist to help diagnose sleep disorders, familarize yourself with them

1. Pulse Oximetry
Overnight pulse oximetry can help screen for potential Sleep breathing disorders
Organizations like Mayo Clinic use them for screening prior to sending for a consult
I used them in the hospital prior to discharge on suspected cases
It calculates oxygen desturation index (ODI), patterns that can indicate sleep apnea, hypoventilation etc
Screening tool only

2. Home Sleep Study
With advances in technology, many devices now available
Limited channel testing – pulse ox, airflow, heart rate, position, snoring
Good for moderate to severe OSA, may miss mild OSA
Not good for suspected central sleep apena or hypoventilation
A negative home test in setting of clinical suspcision should always be followed by in lab PSG

3. Polysomnography
Most accurate test for sleep disorders, done in the lab under supervision
Invasive testing that includes- EEG, EMG, ECG, Airflow, Snoring, Chest and Abdomen movements, Pulse ox, Position
This can help diagnose – Obstructive and Central apnea, Hypoventilation, REM behavior disorder, Nocturnal seizures, Sleep architecture/insomnia, Circadian rhythm, Periodic limb movements, sleep walking, sleep talking and other parasomnia

4. Mean Sleep Latency Test
Daytime in lab polysomnography, done to diagnose hypersomnia
5 naps are done every 2 hours to guage sleep onset
Can help differentiate between narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia

5. Other tests
Rarely used, based on clinician preference
a. Maintaince of wakefulness test – to evaluate ability to stay awake on medication for hypersomnia patients
b. Actigraphy – to evaluate sleep patterns, insomnia and circadian rythym disorders