Sleep is essential for good health. The quality of the sleep that you get each night can have a direct impact on your overall health and wellness. Anything that interferes with your sleep could lead to physical problems over time.

Sleep centers were designed to help medical professionals diagnose and treat disorders related to sleep. Here are three types of studies conducted at sleep centers on a regular basis.

1. Sleep Study

The most basic type of study performed in a sleep center is a sleep study.

The primary purpose of a sleep study is to determine whether or not a patient is suffering from a sleep disorder. Some of the issues that doctors are looking for during sleep studies include excessive snoring, restless sleep, abnormal breathing patterns, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Each of these issues can be indicative of a sleep disorder that must be addressed by a medical professional.

If you find that you are tired throughout the day, experience morning headaches, or have trouble with your memory, visiting a sleep center for a sleep study may be beneficial.

2. CPAP Titration Study

If your doctor has diagnosed you with obstructive sleep apnea, you will need to visit a sleep center to participate in a CPAP titration study.

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by short periods of no breathing throughout the night. A CPAP machine is often prescribed to help combat obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP machines provide pressurized oxygen that helps to maintain regular breathing.

A CPAP titration study is used to determine which type of CPAP machine will give you the best results when it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea.

3. Multiple Sleep Latency Study

Unlike most of the studies that occur in a sleep center, a multiple sleep latency study takes place during the daytime. This unique study is designed to help determine if a patient suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness.

A multiple sleep latency study consists of scheduled naps. Once the lights are turned down in preparation for each nap, sleep center personnel measure how long it takes for a patient to fall asleep.

A certain time threshold is established by your doctor prior to the study. If you fall asleep before the threshold expires, you will be awoken after napping for a few minutes. If you are not asleep and the threshold is passed, the study will come to an end.