Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep Tests
The Sleep Disorders Center at MetroWest Medical Center performs all night polysomnograms, multiple sleep latency tests and day polysomnograms. These tests help diagnose excessive sleepiness, loud snoring, and episodes of unusual activity at night. Since symptoms occur in sleep we need to observe a complete night in the laboratory.

Testing in a Sleep Lab – Polysomnogram
The sleep study is done in a private room inside the Sleep Disorders Center. During the study, special sensors record the activity of the heart, lungs and brain; the movements of muscles, air flow from the nose and mouth and the level of oxygen in the blood.

In addition, body movements are video-taped and snoring, talking, or other noises made while asleep are recorded. A technician watches the recording on monitors all night to observe the patient and check for problems.

If severe sleep apnea is found during the night, the technician may provide a device called CPAP, which keeps a patient's air passages open and treats apnea.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test
A Multiple Sleep Latency Test is another way of measuring excessive sleepiness. This test requires a day in the Sleep Disorders Center. The test consists of four or five naps for 20 minutes each. The naps are approximately two hours apart.

The patient should have a normal night's sleep the night before or may have a polysomnogram. It is recommended that patients bring books or other materials to fill the time between naps.

CPAP Support Group
Our CPAP Support Group meets semi-annually to provide educational information and support to CPAP users and their partners. Each meeting features a presentation from a speaker. Patients are invited to have our technologists evaluate their equipment and answer questions. New masks and headgear are available for patients to review.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sleep Disorders Center at (508) 650-7799.

Special links:
Sleep Foundation Organization