Sleep disorders can lead to many other medical conditions, and can even result in a heart attack or stroke while you’re sleeping. It is because of this high correlation between sleep and heart health that Chesapeake Cardiac Care is double-boarded in cardiology and sleep medicine. This means we are certified by both boards of (NOTE: NEED THIS INFO) Chesapeake Cardiac Care is the only double-boarded cardiology and sleep medicine practice in Maryland.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study, or polysomnography (PSG), is a test we use to diagnose and treat sleep disturbances and disorders. The PSG is a recording, similar to an EKG or EEG, that monitors your breathing and breathing effort, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen levels in your blood, brain waves, leg and eye movements, and muscle activity. By monitoring all of these physiological signals, we can determine the quality of sleep you get each night.

How do you record all of these signals?

  • Breathing is measured by a sensor on the upper lip in front of your nose and mouth
  • Breathing effort is measured by belts placed around your chest and abdomen
  • Heart rate and rhythm are recorded by patches (electrodes) on your chest
  • Oxygen levels in the blood are monitored by a probe on your finger
  • Brain waves are recorded by electrodes on your head
  • Eye movement is recorded by electrodes next to your eyes
  • Leg movements are measured by electrodes on the lower part of your legs
  • Muscle activity is recorded by electrodes on the muscles of the chin
  • Overall picture is recorded using a video camera