What Is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study, also called polysomnography, is a diagnostic test that tracks certain body functions during sleep. The test is painless, non-invasive, and can even be done in the comfort of your own home. The most common reason to perform a sleep study is to test for sleep apnea. However, other health concerns may also be detected, especially if you are having your study done in a lab.

To gather data, special sensors are placed over your finger and abdomen, and a nasal cannula or mask is placed over your nose. This tracks important information needed to make a diagnosis.

What a Sleep Study Measures

Depending on the brand and type of test used, a sleep study generally measures the following data:

  • Breathing patterns
  • Airflow
  • Heart rate
  • Movement
  • Blood oxygen levels

At-Home vs. Clinical Sleep Studies

 

At-Home Sleep Study

Clinical Sleep Study

Comfortable

Yes

No

Convenient

Yes

No

Test for one night

Yes

Yes

Checks for sleep apnea

Yes

Yes

Measures brain waves

No

Yes

Supervised by a technician

No

Yes

Accurate results

Yes

Yes
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Our Treatments

Our Sleep Study Process

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Dr. Patel will meet with you for an initial consultation to discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have. Dr. Patel will learn about your sleep habits and determine how they may be affecting your oral and overall health.

Step 2 – Receive & Conduct Your Test

Next, you will receive your at-home sleep study with instructions on how to conduct the test. This typically involves placing a few different sensors at different points on your body and then sleeping as you normally would. The test records important data while you rest, which is then sent to Dr. Patel for analysis.

Step 3 – Review Your Results

Once your test is complete, Dr. Patel will schedule a follow-up appointment to review your results. She will go over the data and her findings with you, and can answer any questions you have about your sleep health.

Step 4 – Get a Treatment Plan

If your test results suggest you may have sleep apnea, the next step is to get a treatment plan. Dr. Patel will go over all of your options and compare features, so you can choose the right remedy to fit your lifestyle and health needs.

At Green Dentistry, we offer the following sleep apnea treatments:

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Our Holistic Approach to Sleep Health

Quality Sleep Matters

Quality sleep helps support your immune system, reduces stress, helps you form long-term memories, and lowers your risk for health problems.

Sleep and Your Oral Health Are Connected

When you don't get enough sleep, your mouth produces less saliva. This can lead to dry mouth, bacteria overgrowth, and gum disease.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Doesn’t Have to Be Cumbersome

While loud, bulky CPAP machines are still commonly used for sleep apnea, treatment can be as easy as wearing a mouthguard to bed.

Sleep Study FAQ

How do I prepare for my at-home sleep study?

We recommend that you avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol for 8 to 12 hours prior to your test. You should also avoid taking a nap that afternoon, even if this is something you normally do. Ideally, you should sleep without any light or noise in the room to avoid artificial disruptions. Remember to take medications you are prescribed as normal.

Can I sleep with my partner in the same bed?

Yes, you can sleep with your partner in the same bed during your study if this is how you normally sleep at night.

What position is best to sleep in during my study?

Ideally, you should spend time sleeping on both your back and side to generate the most accurate test results.

Read More Frequently Asked Questions

“Dr. Patel was so patient, soothing, empathetic and kind to me. She went way beyond any dentist I’ve ever met in my life in how her and her staff took care of me.”

Kathryn S.

Your Comfort Matters to Us

Our Union Square dentist in San Francisco ensures our office is a place where you can relax and put your health and wellness first, allowing yourself recovery and restoration. We provide a number of spa-like services to our patients in order to relieve discomfort and improve relaxation, such as:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Neck wraps and heated blankets
  • Healing with essential oils and crystals
  • Noise-cancelling headphones

The Green Dentistry Difference

At Green Dentistry, we strive to build life-long relationships with our patients to help them feel secure about their smiles today and for many years to come. We want our patients to feel confident in the work we do together to give them not only beautiful smiles but also functionality and oral health to last a lifetime. We are also proud to give back — to people who are in need and to the environment that surrounds us. We are excited to make you the newest member of our holistic dental care family.

What do your teeth say about your health?

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San Francisco, home of holistic cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Nammy Patel

The best holistic dental care in the San Francisco Bay Area!

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you on your journey to an amazing smile and life-long health!

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Dr. Nammy Patel and her team at Green Dentistry in Downtown San Francisco, California, provide quality dentistry with a holistic approach. They offer their patients exceptional care and service in cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign treatment, laser dentistry, sleep apnea treatment, general holistic dentistry and so much more. They even offer sedation dentistry to their patients. They serve patients throughout the Bay Area. SF Green Dentist is within walking distance from Downtown and the Financial District.

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