Sleep study in Fort Lauderdale
A sleep study is simpler and more comfortable than most people expect. Dr. Camilo Ruiz orders the right test for you, at home or overnight in the lab, and sits down with you to explain every result.
Camilo Ruiz, DO · Board-certified in sleep medicine and internal medicine
What is a sleep study, and which one do I need?
A sleep study records your sleep so a doctor can find out what is wrong. A home sleep apnea test checks breathing and oxygen in your own bed and is used to look for sleep apnea. An in-lab study, called polysomnography, records much more, including brain waves and leg movements. Daytime nap tests (MSLT and MWT) measure sleepiness. Dr. Ruiz picks the test based on your symptoms and health.
When a sleep study may help
- My partner says I snore loudly or stop breathing at night.
- I sleep a full night but still wake up tired.
- I nod off while reading, watching TV or driving.
- I wake up gasping, choking or with a headache.
- My legs kick or jerk at night, or I act out my dreams.
- My CPAP doesn't feel right and I need it checked.
How Dr. Ruiz handles your sleep testing
A visit before any test
Dr. Ruiz first talks with you about your sleep, your health and your medicines. This tells him which test makes sense, or if you need one at all.
The right test for you
He orders a home test, an in-lab study or a daytime test based on your symptoms and other health problems, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Clear steps to get ready
You get simple instructions about caffeine, naps and medicines, so the test shows how you really sleep.
He reviews every result
Dr. Ruiz looks at your study and explains what it found in plain words, at a follow-up visit.
A plan if something is found
If the test shows a sleep problem, you leave with next steps. That may be treatment, another test or a check of your CPAP.
Home sleep apnea test or in-lab study?
A home sleep apnea test is a small device you wear in your own bed. It usually records your breathing and the oxygen level in your blood. It is used to look for obstructive sleep apnea. Doctors may suggest it when sleep apnea is very likely and you have no other major health problems. Some people should not use a home test, such as people with serious lung disease, nerve and muscle disease, or congestive heart failure.
An in-lab study, also called polysomnography, is done overnight at a sleep center. Sensors record brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, breathing and oxygen. A trained technologist watches all night and can fix a loose sensor. This test can find sleep problems other than apnea, such as leg movements or unusual behavior during sleep. If a home test is unclear, or it is negative but you still have symptoms, Dr. Ruiz may order an in-lab study next.
Daytime tests for sleepiness: MSLT and MWT
Some people are very sleepy during the day even after a full night in bed. For them, Dr. Ruiz may order a daytime test at a sleep center.
The multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) measures how quickly you fall asleep during a series of scheduled naps across the day. It always follows an overnight sleep study. It is used to help diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
The maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT) works the other way. You sit in a quiet, dark room and try to stay awake. It can show how alert you are during the day and is sometimes used to check how well treatment is working.
Before either test, your doctor needs a full list of your medicines. You may be asked to stop some of them, and to avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Only stop a medicine if your doctor tells you to.
How to prepare and what happens on the night
On test day, keep to your usual routine. Try not to nap, and skip caffeine and alcohol later in the day. Ask Dr. Ruiz before the test about your regular medicines, and tell the team if your skin is sensitive to tape or adhesive.
For a home test, you get the device and instructions. You go to bed at your normal time, put on the sensors as shown, and take them off in the morning. Then you return the device as instructed.
For an in-lab study, you sleep in a private room at the sleep center. A technologist places small sensors on your head, face, chest, legs and a finger, and asks you to move your eyes and legs to check that they work. You can talk to the technologist during the night if you need help.
After the study is scored, Dr. Ruiz goes over the results with you and explains what comes next.
Home sleep test vs. in-lab study
| Home sleep apnea test | In-lab study (polysomnography) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | Your own bed | A private room at a sleep center |
| What it records | Mainly breathing and blood oxygen | Brain waves, eye and leg movements, heart rhythm, breathing and oxygen |
| What it looks for | Obstructive sleep apnea | Sleep apnea and many other sleep problems |
| Who it may suit | Adults likely to have moderate to severe sleep apnea, with no other major health problems | People with heart, lung or nerve problems, unclear home results, or symptoms beyond snoring |
| Staff overnight | None. You put the sensors on yourself | A technologist watches all night |
| If a sensor slips | The test may need to be repeated | The technologist can fix it during the night |
What to expect
- Step 1
Request a visit
Call the office. We'll find a time and tell you what to bring.
- Step 2
First appointment
Dr. Ruiz goes over your sleep, your health history and what you've already tried.
- Step 3
Testing, if needed
A home or in-lab sleep study, or blood work.
- Step 4
Treatment and follow-up
You leave with a plan, and come back to adjust it.
Related conditions and care
Patients come to our Fort Lauderdale office from Las Olas, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, Oakland Park, Lauderhill, Plantation, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach and across South Florida.
Common questions
Do I need a referral for a sleep study?
Some insurance plans ask for a referral or approval before a sleep study. Call the office at (954) 839-6987 and the staff can tell you what your plan needs before your visit with Dr. Ruiz.
Can a home sleep test rule out sleep apnea?
No. A negative home test does not rule out sleep apnea. If the home test is normal or unclear and you still have symptoms, Dr. Ruiz may order an in-lab study.
Can I sleep with all those wires on?
The sensors are held on with tape or adhesive, and you can talk to the technologist if something feels wrong. If you are worried about sleeping, tell Dr. Ruiz before the test. Do not take a sleep medicine unless he tells you to.
Should I take my usual medicines before the test?
Ask Dr. Ruiz first. Some medicines can change the results, so he may ask you to keep taking them or to pause some. Do not stop any medicine on your own.
Who reads my sleep study results?
The study is scored first, then Dr. Ruiz reviews it. He goes over the results with you at a follow-up visit and explains your options.
What happens if the study shows sleep apnea?
Dr. Ruiz will talk with you about treatment choices, such as CPAP or other options, and set up follow-up visits to see how treatment is going.
Written by Sleep & Internal Medicine Specialists. Last updated . This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.
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Schedule an Appointment
Send a request any time, or call Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 1319 S.E. 2nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.