In-Lab Polysomnography

Dream Sleep Medicine is fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the gold standard in sleep medicine quality and safety. Our 4-bed sleep laboratory meets rigorous national standards for:

Note:

Why AASM accreditation matters: Only accredited facilities meet the stringent requirements necessary for accurate, reliable sleep disorder diagnosis. AASM accreditation is recognized by physicians, insurance companies, and medical institutions nationwide as the benchmark for quality sleep testing.

Our registered sleep technologists monitor and record multiple data channels throughout the night:

1. Brain Wave Activity (EEG)

Electroencephalography measures brain electrical activity to identify sleep stages (N1, N2, N3, REM) and detect abnormal patterns such as seizures or arousals.

2. Eye Movements (EOG)

Electrooculography tracks eye movements to distinguish REM sleep from other stages and identify REM sleep behavior disorder.

3. Muscle Tone (EMG)

Electromyography measures chin and leg muscle activity to detect REM atonia abnormalities, periodic limb movements, and bruxism.

4. Respiratory Airflow

Nasal and oral airflow sensors detect apneas (complete cessation of breathing) and hypopneas (partial airflow reduction).

5. Respiratory Effort

Chest and abdominal belts measure breathing effort to distinguish obstructive from central apnea events.

6. Blood Oxygen Saturation

Continuous pulse oximetry tracks oxygen levels and desaturation events associated with breathing disruptions.

7. Heart Rate & Rhythm (ECG)

Electrocardiography monitors cardiac activity and can detect arrhythmias associated with sleep-disordered breathing.

8. Body Position

Position sensors determine whether breathing problems are position-dependent (e.g., worse when sleeping on the back).

9. Snoring & Audio

Audio monitoring captures snoring patterns and vocalizations that may indicate parasomnia or other disorders.

10. Video Recording

Synchronized infrared video documents unusual movements, behaviors, or positions during sleep.

In-lab sleep studies are the gold standard for comprehensive sleep disorder evaluation and are necessary when:Complex Sleep-Disordered Breathing:

Complex Sleep-Disordered Breathing:

• Suspected central sleep apnea or Cheyne-Stokes respiration

• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome

• Sleep-related hypoventilation disorders

• Patients with significant cardiac or pulmonary disease

• Neuromuscular disorders affecting breathing

Treatment Titration:

• CPAP, BiPAP, or ASV pressure optimization

• HGNS hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy adjustment

• Split-night diagnostic and titration studies

• Adaptive servo-ventilation for complex apnea

Parasomnias & Movement Disorders:

• REM sleep behavior disorder

• Sleepwalking, sleep terrors, or confusional arousals

• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)

• Restless legs syndrome evaluation

• Sleep-related eating disorder

Seizures & Neurological Disorders:

• Suspected nocturnal seizures

• Distinguishing seizures from parasomnias

• Neurodegenerative disease with sleep symptoms

Inconclusive or Failed Home Testing:

• Home sleep test was technically inadequate

• Negative home test despite strong clinical suspicion

• Borderline or equivocal home test results

Other Sleep Disorders:

• Narcolepsy evaluation (followed by daytime MSLT)

• Idiopathic hypersomnia assessment

• Circadian rhythm disorder confirmation

One of the most significant advantages of choosing an AASM-accredited independent sleep laboratory is cost transparency and, often, substantially lower patient financial responsibility.

The Reality of Hospital-Based Sleep Center Billing

Hospital-affiliated sleep centers typically add significant facility fees to the professional (physician) interpretation charges. These facility fees can result in total charges that are 3 to 5 times higher than those at independent accredited laboratories—even though both meet identical AASM quality standards.

The result? Higher deductibles, higher coinsurance, and dramatically higher out-of-pocket expenses for patients, even with insurance coverage.

Independent Accredited Labs: Lower Facility Fees, Same Quality

AASM-accredited independent laboratories like Dream Sleep Medicine maintain the exact same diagnostic standards and quality requirements as hospital centers, but without the inflated facility fee structures. This translates directly into:

• Lower total billing amounts submitted to your insurance

• Lower patient responsibility after insurance processes the claim

• More predictable costs with upfront estimates provided before testing

• Transparent pricing with clear explanation of charges

We Verify Your Benefits Before Testing

Before scheduling your sleep study, we contact your insurance company to verify coverage and provide you with an estimated cost breakdown specific to your plan. You'll know your expected out-of-pocket costs before the study is performed—no surprises.

Example Cost Comparison

A patient with a $2,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance:

Hospital-Based Center:

• Typical Facility Charge: $4,000–$7,000

• Patient Responsibility (Est.): $2,000 (deductible) + $400–$1,000 (20% coinsurance) = $2,400–$3,000

Independent Accredited Lab:

• Typical Facility Charge: $1,200–$2,000

• Patient Responsibility (Est.): $1,200–$2,000 (often fully applied to deductible)

This is an illustrative example only. Actual costs depend on your specific insurance plan, deductible status, and contracted rates. We provide personalized estimates before testing.

Medicare & Medicaid Patients

Medicare and Medicaid typically reimburse sleep studies at predetermined rates regardless of facility type. Independent accredited labs accept these rates as payment in full (minus any applicable copays or deductibles), ensuring predictable, affordable costs for government insurance beneficiaries.

Questions About Costs?

We're happy to discuss pricing, verify your insurance benefits, and provide cost estimates before you schedule. Financial considerations should never be a barrier to getting the diagnostic testing you need.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable sleepwear (two-piece pajamas work best)

• Toiletries and personal care items

• Any regular nighttime medications

• Your CPAP or BiPAP machine if you already use one

• A book or device for relaxing before bed (WiFi available)

• Insurance card and photo ID

Before Your Study:

• Avoid caffeine after 2:00 PM on the day of your study

• Avoid napping on the day of your study

• Wash and dry your hair (no styling products, oils, or conditioners)

• Arrive with clean, dry skin (no lotions, oils, or makeup)

• Take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise

• Eat a normal dinner before arriving

What We Provide:

• Private bedroom with comfortable bed and linens

• Climate control (adjustable temperature)

• Private bathroom

• WiFi access

• Light breakfast in the morning