I did a sleep study.
Before going in I heard several of my friends say how helpful it was at diagnosing their own sleep problem but has anyone ever gotten one done and it turned out to be a normal result?
51-55, F
samueltyler2 · 80-89, M
I have never heard of a totally normal one. But, remember you went for it believing there was a problem! Totally asymptomatic people don't get tested.
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samueltyler2 · 80-89, M
@SomeMichGuy yes, good data is necessary, but the technology for sleep studies do not require much at all.
SomeMichGuy · M
@samueltyler2 ...I'm not sure what you mean (level of tech or amount of data).
My points were twofold, but the most important issue at the heart of it, for me, is really that any measurement which is supposed to be useful has to have a scientific basis. That is, it should have been considered within a framework where these types of questions are addressed:
• What are we attempting to measure?
• What level of accuracy and precision do we require in order for our data to be usable / useful?
▪ What are sources which might interfere with the measurement (noise/unwanted signal profile)?
• How will each quantity be measured--directly, indirectly, etc.?
• Does the error analysis of our method support the required accuracy / precision which we determined previously?
• How will any required data manipulation in the analysis affect the overall error, etc.?
...
At the end, you need numbers with appropriate units and some sort of error presentation, but all of that is meaningless if the measurement components/system are not calibrated and validated against known standards or industry-/manufacturer-/research-developed benchmarks.
Lots of equipment seems to be assumed to always be calibrated; but if one were to mention "calibration" and get blank stares in answer, it should make one question the validity of the "already and forever calibrated" assumption.
For the few signals in a sleep study, this might mean little. For more complex situations, it's more likely to be a potential issue.
My points were twofold, but the most important issue at the heart of it, for me, is really that any measurement which is supposed to be useful has to have a scientific basis. That is, it should have been considered within a framework where these types of questions are addressed:
• What are we attempting to measure?
• What level of accuracy and precision do we require in order for our data to be usable / useful?
▪ What are sources which might interfere with the measurement (noise/unwanted signal profile)?
• How will each quantity be measured--directly, indirectly, etc.?
• Does the error analysis of our method support the required accuracy / precision which we determined previously?
• How will any required data manipulation in the analysis affect the overall error, etc.?
...
At the end, you need numbers with appropriate units and some sort of error presentation, but all of that is meaningless if the measurement components/system are not calibrated and validated against known standards or industry-/manufacturer-/research-developed benchmarks.
Lots of equipment seems to be assumed to always be calibrated; but if one were to mention "calibration" and get blank stares in answer, it should make one question the validity of the "already and forever calibrated" assumption.
For the few signals in a sleep study, this might mean little. For more complex situations, it's more likely to be a potential issue.
samueltyler2 · 80-89, M
@SomeMichGuy this discussion is going no where. have you asked these questions of the professional staff at the sleep center? when you go to your physician do you ask when their thermometer, ECG, scales were last calibrated?
Calibrating devices in sleep centers
Sleep centers utilize a variety of devices to diagnose and monitor sleep disorders. Proper calibration of these devices is essential for accurate and reliable data collection.
Here's how different types of devices in sleep centers are calibrated:
1. Polysomnography (PSG) equipment
Polysomnography (PSG) involves monitoring multiple physiological signals during sleep, such as brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (ECG), breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels.
Machine Calibration: Before and after each study, technicians perform machine calibration to ensure the amplifiers and recording channels are functioning correctly and that signals are within acceptable guidelines.
Physiological Calibration (Bio-calibration): During physiological calibration, the patient is asked to perform specific actions like opening and closing their eyes, looking left and right, clenching their jaw, or flexing their feet. These actions help verify that the electrodes and sensors are properly attached and functioning.
2. CPAP machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are used to treat sleep apnea by delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air.
CPAP Titration Study: The CPAP machine is calibrated through a process called CPAP titration, usually conducted in a sleep center during an overnight study.
During titration, a sleep technician gradually adjusts the air pressure in the patient's mask while monitoring their response.
The goal is to find the lowest pressure that eliminates sleep apnea events while ensuring the patient's comfort.
3. Oral appliances
Oral appliances are custom-fitted dental devices used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Appliance Calibration: The calibration of an oral appliance involves a gradual, step-by-step adjustment process where a dental sleep team modifies the appliance to optimize its effectiveness and the patient's comfort.
This process typically includes a baseline evaluation, initial fitting, gradual adjustments over time ("titration"), and follow-up appointments to ensure the appliance is working correctly and not causing any side effects.
4. Pulse oximeters
Pulse oximeters are devices that measure blood oxygen levels.
Calibration of Pulse Oximeters: Most pulse oximeters do not require calibration by the user before use.
They are calibrated during the development phase using reference data collected from healthy volunteers exposed to varying oxygen levels.
5. Actigraphy devices
Actigraphy devices track movement to estimate sleep-wake patterns.
Actigraphy Calibration: Actigraphy devices can be calibrated against polysomnography (PSG) data to improve the accuracy of their sleep-wake estimates. This involves a per-participant recalibration to optimize the concordance between actigraphy and PSG-based sleep efficiency estimates.
Importance of calibration
Calibration is crucial in sleep centers because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic data and the effectiveness of treatment devices. Consistent calibration practices are necessary for generating reliable results, making informed treatment decisions, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. It also helps extend the lifespan of instruments and prevents costly errors.
3364-171-01-04 Calibrations - University of Toledo
Mar 20, 2023 — * Name of Policy: * Calibrations. * Policy Number: * Department: * Approving Officer: * Responsible Agent: * Scope: * Effective Date: 3/17/2023. * (A) Policy St...
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University of Toledo
Benefits of Visiting a Sleep Center | Improve Sleep Health
Dec 18, 2024 — Benefits of Visiting a Sleep Center. ... Sleep is a vital part of our lives. It rejuvenates us, keeps us healthy, and prepares us for the challenges of the next...
favicon
El Paso Sleep Center
Standard Polysomnography AAST Technical Guideline
2.1.1.6 Electrocardiogram (ECG) Description Page 6 AAST Technical Guideline The ECG monitors the heart rhythm. A single ECG channel is sufficient for standard P...
favicon
American Association of Sleep Technologists
Calibrating devices in sleep centers
Sleep centers utilize a variety of devices to diagnose and monitor sleep disorders. Proper calibration of these devices is essential for accurate and reliable data collection.
Here's how different types of devices in sleep centers are calibrated:
1. Polysomnography (PSG) equipment
Polysomnography (PSG) involves monitoring multiple physiological signals during sleep, such as brain activity (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity (EMG), heart rate (ECG), breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels.
Machine Calibration: Before and after each study, technicians perform machine calibration to ensure the amplifiers and recording channels are functioning correctly and that signals are within acceptable guidelines.
Physiological Calibration (Bio-calibration): During physiological calibration, the patient is asked to perform specific actions like opening and closing their eyes, looking left and right, clenching their jaw, or flexing their feet. These actions help verify that the electrodes and sensors are properly attached and functioning.
2. CPAP machines
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are used to treat sleep apnea by delivering a continuous stream of pressurized air.
CPAP Titration Study: The CPAP machine is calibrated through a process called CPAP titration, usually conducted in a sleep center during an overnight study.
During titration, a sleep technician gradually adjusts the air pressure in the patient's mask while monitoring their response.
The goal is to find the lowest pressure that eliminates sleep apnea events while ensuring the patient's comfort.
3. Oral appliances
Oral appliances are custom-fitted dental devices used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep Appliance Calibration: The calibration of an oral appliance involves a gradual, step-by-step adjustment process where a dental sleep team modifies the appliance to optimize its effectiveness and the patient's comfort.
This process typically includes a baseline evaluation, initial fitting, gradual adjustments over time ("titration"), and follow-up appointments to ensure the appliance is working correctly and not causing any side effects.
4. Pulse oximeters
Pulse oximeters are devices that measure blood oxygen levels.
Calibration of Pulse Oximeters: Most pulse oximeters do not require calibration by the user before use.
They are calibrated during the development phase using reference data collected from healthy volunteers exposed to varying oxygen levels.
5. Actigraphy devices
Actigraphy devices track movement to estimate sleep-wake patterns.
Actigraphy Calibration: Actigraphy devices can be calibrated against polysomnography (PSG) data to improve the accuracy of their sleep-wake estimates. This involves a per-participant recalibration to optimize the concordance between actigraphy and PSG-based sleep efficiency estimates.
Importance of calibration
Calibration is crucial in sleep centers because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic data and the effectiveness of treatment devices. Consistent calibration practices are necessary for generating reliable results, making informed treatment decisions, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. It also helps extend the lifespan of instruments and prevents costly errors.
3364-171-01-04 Calibrations - University of Toledo
Mar 20, 2023 — * Name of Policy: * Calibrations. * Policy Number: * Department: * Approving Officer: * Responsible Agent: * Scope: * Effective Date: 3/17/2023. * (A) Policy St...
favicon
University of Toledo
Benefits of Visiting a Sleep Center | Improve Sleep Health
Dec 18, 2024 — Benefits of Visiting a Sleep Center. ... Sleep is a vital part of our lives. It rejuvenates us, keeps us healthy, and prepares us for the challenges of the next...
favicon
El Paso Sleep Center
Standard Polysomnography AAST Technical Guideline
2.1.1.6 Electrocardiogram (ECG) Description Page 6 AAST Technical Guideline The ECG monitors the heart rhythm. A single ECG channel is sufficient for standard P...
favicon
American Association of Sleep Technologists
tobynshorty · 51-55, F
I have had one ordered but didn’t go through with it.
DoubleRings · 51-55, F
@tobynshorty why not? I was kind of excited about mine bc I’ve heard many people say I pause during sleep or that I snore. But I’ve lost 20lbs recently and it hasn’t been quite as bad… were you nervous maybe?