About Our Sleep Laboratory

The Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas sleep laboratory is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) — the gold standard for sleep center accreditation in the United States. AASM accreditation means our facility, staff, and procedures meet rigorous standards for diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and quality of care.

Our laboratory conducts overnight polysomnography (PSG) and other diagnostic studies for patients referred by their physicians or self-referred through our clinic. Studies are interpreted by our board-certified sleep medicine physician.

What Is a Sleep Study?

A polysomnogram (PSG) is a comprehensive overnight recording of your body's activity during sleep. It is the most thorough method available for diagnosing sleep disorders and is considered the gold standard for evaluating obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, and other conditions.

What Is Monitored

• Brain activity (EEG) — to identify sleep stages
• Eye movements (EOG) — to detect REM sleep
• Muscle activity (EMG) — to identify movement disorders
• Heart rhythm (ECG) — to monitor cardiac activity
• Breathing effort and airflow — to detect apneas and hypopneas
• Blood oxygen levels (pulse oximetry)
• Body position and leg movements
• Audio and video recording

Who We Serve

Our sleep laboratory evaluates adult and pediatric patients referred for diagnostic sleep studies. Common reasons for referral include:

• Suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness of unknown cause
• Suspected narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Abnormal behaviors during sleep (parasomnias)
• CPAP titration studies
• Follow-up studies after treatment initiation

What to Expect

Many patients are understandably curious about what a night in the sleep lab involves. Our staff is experienced in helping patients feel comfortable throughout the process.

1. 1

   Arrival

   Arrive at the lab in the evening as scheduled — typically between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. Bring comfortable sleepwear and any personal items you need for a normal night.

2. 2

   Setup

   A sleep technologist will attach sensors to your scalp, face, chest, and legs using a water-soluble paste. The process takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is painless.

3. 3

   Sleep

   You will sleep in a private, comfortable room. The sensors transmit data wirelessly to our monitoring station. You can move naturally during sleep.

4. 4

   Morning

   Studies typically conclude by 6:00 AM. Sensors are removed and you are free to leave. Most patients can go directly to work or normal activities.

5. 5

   Results

   Your study is scored and interpreted by our sleep medicine physician. Results are communicated to you and your referring physician, typically within a few business days.

Preparing for Your Study