Sleep Testing Center

Sleep restores and refreshes us. During sleep, our bodies also get an opportunity to rest, repair and grow muscle and tissue. When we do not sleep well, we increase our risk of infections and illness. Poor sleep increases risk of:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Stroke
Atrial fibrillation
Cancer
Heart attack

Sleep apnea is the most common of more than 80 types of sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, causing you to temporarily stop breathing and your oxygen level to drop. When this happens, you wake up to start breathing again, sometimes hundreds of times per night, and often without your knowledge.

Types of Sleep Tests

In-Lab Sleep Testing

In-lab sleep tests are the most comprehensive studies available to diagnose an array of sleep disorders. In the Sleep Testing Center at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, our top priority is to ensure your study is comfortable and safe. We respect your privacy and provide a private bedroom for you while your technologist monitors your study from an adjacent room. Sensors are placed on your body to collect important diagnostic data to determine if you have a sleep disorder, and, if necessary, manage your treatment.

Home Sleep Testing

A home sleep test consists of a small portable device used only to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. During your pretest appointment at the Sleep Testing Center at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, you will meet with a trained technician and receive instruction on setting up and using the device appropriately.

Your Results

Once you complete your study, the information gathered will be reviewed by a Brigham and Women’s sleep specialist. Your referring physician will coordinate a personal plan of care.