Sequoia Sleep Diagnostics, Inc.

What you should expect during your study

Luxurious Facility

Our location is conveniently located in North East Fresno.

Tranquil Bedrooms

We have made every effort to help you feel at home away from home with 55” TV’s in every room, comfortable beds with luxury linens and a snack bar.

Modern Technology

In lab studies are thoroughly performed under the observation of a Registered Technician with state of the art equipment. When circumstances allow we may even have you complete the study in the comfort of your own home with a small device, such as the one pictured above.

During your diagnostics sleep study many types of data are recorded. Our certified sleep technician will place electrodes  on your scalp and skin to monitor your brain waves, eye movement, muscle activity and heartbeat. The electrodes are  attached using a white EEG paste and tape. Please be advised that it may take some time to wash the paste out of your  hair in the morning. A small sensor will be placed near your chest and abdomen. An oximeter sensor will be taped onto  one of your fingers to measure blood oxygen saturation levers. These monitoring devices are used to insure an accurate  evaluation of your sleep. None of these non-invasive devices will cause you any pain. The wires will be bundled, enabling  your freedom of movement while in your room. When you need to use the restroom, the technician will help to  temporarily disconnect and reconnect the bundled wires once you have returned to your room. 

While you are sleeping, the technician will monitor your sleep from outside your room. The technician will be  available to assist you in any way should you need help. In the morning, the technician will remove all the electrodes and  equipment. 

After your over-night sleep study is completed, the technician will review your sleep study and then send the  results to a board-certified-sleep physician who will interpret the results for the final findings and recommendations.  The final report will be sent to your physician.

Types of Overnight Sleep Studies

PSG (Polysomnography)

A PSG (Polysomnography) sleep study is a diagnostic test used to evaluate and diagnose sleep disorders. It is a comprehensive recording of physiological parameters during sleep, conducted in a sleep laboratory or clinic under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals.

During a PSG sleep study, the patient is typically required to spend a night at the sleep center. Various sensors and electrodes are attached to different parts of the body to monitor and record multiple physiological parameters. The key measurements include:

1. **Electroencephalography (EEG):** Records brain wave activity and helps identify different sleep stages (e.g., REM, NREM).

2. **Electrooculography (EOG):** Monitors eye movements, which are crucial for identifying REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

3. **Electromyography (EMG):** Measures muscle activity to identify periods of muscle tone or relaxation.

4. **Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG):** Records heart rate and rhythm during sleep.

5. **Respiratory Parameters:** Measures airflow, chest and abdominal movements, and oxygen levels to detect respiratory events such as apneas (temporary cessation of breathing) and hypopneas (shallow breathing).

6. **Leg Movement Monitoring:** Tracks leg movements to identify conditions like periodic limb movement disorder.

7. **Oxygen Saturation:** Monitors blood oxygen levels throughout the night.

8. **Audio and Video Recording:** Some sleep studies may include audio and video recording to observe and document behavioral aspects during sleep.

The collected data is analyzed by sleep technologists and sleep medicine physicians to assess sleep architecture, identify sleep disorders, and formulate a diagnosis. Common sleep disorders that can be diagnosed through PSG include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

In some cases, portable home sleep studies may be prescribed for specific conditions, but PSG is considered the gold standard for comprehensive sleep evaluation due to the wide range of parameters it monitors. The results of a PSG sleep study can provide valuable insights into an individual's sleep patterns and help guide appropriate treatment strategies for sleep-related issues.

Titration Sleep Study

A titration sleep study, also known as a CPAP titration study, is a specific type of sleep study conducted to determine the optimal settings for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep.

During a titration sleep study, the patient uses a CPAP machine with a mask that delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open. The goal is to find the right level of air pressure that effectively prevents apneas and hypopneas (breathing disturbances) while ensuring the patient's comfort.

Here's an overview of the titration process:

1. **Initial Monitoring:** The sleep technologist will begin by monitoring the patient's baseline sleep using sensors and electrodes similar to those used in a standard PSG sleep study. This initial phase helps assess the severity and type of sleep apnea.

2. **CPAP Introduction:** Once the baseline data is collected, the patient is fitted with a CPAP mask, and the CPAP machine is introduced. The machine delivers a controlled stream of air at varying pressure levels.

3. **Pressure Adjustment:** The technologist will gradually adjust the air pressure settings to find the minimum effective pressure needed to eliminate or significantly reduce apneas and hypopneas. This process is known as titration.

4. **Monitoring and Documentation:** Throughout the titration process, the technologist continues to monitor various parameters, such as airflow, respiratory effort, and oxygen saturation, to ensure that the CPAP therapy is effectively addressing the sleep apnea without causing discomfort or side effects.

5. **Optimal Pressure Determination:** The final goal is to determine the optimal CPAP pressure settings for the individual patient. This is the pressure at which the airway remains open, and breathing disturbances are minimized.

The results of the titration sleep study are used to prescribe the specific CPAP settings that the patient should use at home. The CPAP machine can then be set to these prescribed settings to provide continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, effectively managing sleep apnea.

Titration sleep studies are essential for customizing CPAP therapy to each patient's unique needs, ensuring both efficacy and comfort in the treatment of sleep apnea.

To Prepare for your in Lab Study

Please avoid all food and drink containing caffeine after 12:00 noon on the day of your study.

Please avoid drinking any alcohol on the day of your study 

Please avoid taking a nap on the day of your study, so you are tired and ready to sleep.

Continue to take all your regular, prescribed medications, unless otherwise directed by your  doctor 

Please take a bath or shower as close to your check in time as possible, so your skin is free of oils,  lotions, etc.

Please do not apply any lotions, hair products or cosmetics after bathing.

This is a non-smoking building and you will not be allowed to leave the building to smoke once you have checked in for your study. 

If you are Diabetic, please bring all necessary items/medications/medical supplies that may be  needed during your stay to monitor and treat your symptoms if they occur while you are here.

Sensors will be placed on a number of areas on your body, including your scalp to monitor sleep stages and a oximeter will be attached to your finger to monitor blood oxygen levels. Please inform staff right away if you have anything which could interfere with proper data collection, such as acrylic nails or hairpiece, etc.  

Please ensure staff has a current list of all medications you are currently taking.

Please leave all valuables at home, including wedding ring, wallet, watch, etc.

Please bring comfortable, modest sleep attire (no night gowns) 

We provide freshly laundered bedding and pillows (feather and foam) and additional blankets. Please do not bring any pillows, blankets or bedding from home.