Neurophysiology
PSG essentials:
- The procedure takes place in hospital, overnight while you sleep.
- The PSG is painless.
- In preparation, please arrive with washed, clean and dry hair – free from any hair products.
- Do NOT stop any tablets or capsules prescribed unless told to do so by the referring doctor – for example any sleep medication.
- Meals should be taken as usual.
What is video PSG?
A PSG is an overnight sleep study which takes place in hospital. A number of special wires, as explained below, are attached to you to monitor your sleep, movements and breathing overnight. Video and sound are also recorded to help us review any movements or behaviours that occurred during the test.
Having the test
When you arrive at the ward reception, a member of the ward staff will greet you and show you to your ensuite side room. A sleep physiologist will then ask you to discuss your current medical history and they will explain the equipment set up. This will also provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the test.
The sleep physiologist may need to measure your head using a tape measure and special pencil. This can help the physiologist in accurately placing the special wires on your head. A cotton bud is used to gently rub the scalp to prepare the skin. The scalp wires (known as electrodes) will be secured in place using a medical glue. A dryer is used to gently blow cool air onto the glue to help it dry faster.
Wires will then be secured to your face, chin, shoulders and legs using stickers to record your movements. Elasticated bands will be placed around your chest and stomach, and a nasal cannula secured under your nose to monitor your breathing patterns. Lastly, you will be asked to wear a pulse monitor around your wrist and finger. Please see diagram. All of these wires plug unto a central box which is connected to the computer to monitor your sleep.
The sleep physiologist will then leave you to settle into your nightly routine. Please bring along any items you feel necessary that can occupy or provide comfort to you during your stay. For example, your own pillow, reading material or music. The more relaxed and settled you are the better quality the recording will be.
The sleep physiologist will monitor the equipment periodically throughout the night to ensure it is running appropriately. Should any wires need reattaching they may enter your room to reapply these. The ward staff will also be available should you need anything.
The sleep physiologist will wake you up between 6 and 7AM the next morning. If you require no further investigation after your PSG, the sleep physiologist will remove all of the equipment. The ward will then discharge you and you can go home. Once analysed, the results will be sent to your referring doctor.
On occasions you may be referred to undergo a period of daytime monitoring. If this has been discussed and arranged for you, please read the below information on MSLT.
MSLT essentials
- The MSLT will take place the day after your overnight PSG study.
- The procedure takes place in hospital, during the day and finishes at approximately 3:30PM.
- The MSLT is painless.
- Please DO NOT take any medications that help keep you awake or caffeine the day of the MSLT – all other medication should be taken as usual unless you have been advised otherwise by your referring doctor.
- You will be offered morning and afternoon meals from the ward
What is video MSLT?
An MSLT reviews how likely and how quickly you fall asleep during the day. A number of special wires, as explained below, are attached to you to monitor what type of sleep you have. Video and sound are also recorded to help us review any movements or behaviours that occurred during the test. This may also help the doctor make any decisions regarding your care.
Having the test
After your sleep physiologist has woken you up, they will remove the leg stickers, chest and stomach bands, nasal cannula and pulse monitor. You will then have some time to relax and have your breakfast before your MSLT.
Please do not consume any caffeine on the day of your MSLT – decaffeinated hot drinks will be available with your breakfast.
Before the MSLT, a neurophysiologist will introduce themselves and discuss your clinical history with you. Again, this will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the test. Following you PSG you will still have some wires left on for the MSLT; these will be checked, and reapplied if needed using the medical glue and air dryer. These include your scalp wires (called electrodes), face, chin and chest stickers.
During these nap opportunities, the neurophysiologist will ask you to turn off all TV, radio and mobile phone devices and settle comfortably in the hospital bed. They will then leave you to try and fall asleep. Each nap opportunity can vary between 15-35 minutes. Once the nap opportunity is over the neurophysiologist will re-enter the room and wake you up.
Important
It is important that you stay awake in-between nap opportunities, so please bring any items that will occupy you during the day – for example, music, tablet, phone and books.
Please feel free to also bring in your own meals, snacks and drinks that do not contain caffeine. It is advised you do not move around too much in-between nap opportunities and are encouraged to remain in the room.
After your last nap opportunity, the neurophysiologist will remove all wires using a special solution to dissolve the medical glue and you will be able to go home.
Once the tests have been analysed, the results will be sent back to your referring doctor.
PSG set-up example diagram:
Contact us
If you require further information please contact the Neurophysiology and Sleep Medicine department on:
Telephone: 01642 282755
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]