Sleep Laboratory

Koru Hospital Sleep Laboratory is one of the most well-equipped and experienced centers in Ankara for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Our team, consisting of physicians specializing in sleep medicine and certified sleep technicians, provides services for the evaluation and management of all sleep pathologies, primarily obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), central sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, parasomnia, and circadian rhythm disorders.

Sleep Disorders and Clinical Significance

Sleep disorders are much more common in the community than generally perceived. In particular, obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that affects approximately 5-15% of the adult population and can lead to serious cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuropsychiatric complications if left untreated. Excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, witnessed snoring, and episodes of breathing cessation are among the warning signs of sleep apnea.

There is a strong correlation between untreated sleep apnea and the following conditions:

Hypertension — sleep apnea is the most common secondary cause of resistant hypertension
Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias
Increased risk of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction
Significant increase in the risk of traffic and workplace accidents

Polysomnography (Sleep Test)

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard method for diagnosing sleep disorders. In the full-night polysomnography study conducted at Koru Hospital Sleep Laboratory, the following parameters are recorded simultaneously:

Electroencephalogram (EEG) — brain waves and sleep stages
Electrooculogram (EOG) — eye movements and REM sleep detection
Electromyogram (EMG) — chin and leg muscle activity
Electrocardiogram (ECG) — heart rhythm monitoring
Oronasal airflow — via thermal sensor and nasal pressure transducer
Thoracoabdominal movements — respiratory effort belts
Pulse oximetry — oxygen saturation and heart rate
Body position and snoring microphone
Infrared video recording — visual detection of parasomnia and movement disorders

Our laboratory utilizes latest-generation digital polysomnography devices. Our individual sleep rooms, designed with hotel-like comfort, ensure that our patients are evaluated in an environment as close as possible to their natural sleep patterns. Our trained sleep technicians provide real-time monitoring throughout the recording to ensure data quality.

Sleep Tests Performed

Diagnostic polysomnography — diagnosis of sleep apnea, parasomnia, periodic limb movement disorder, and other sleep disorders
Split-night polysomnography — diagnosis in the first half of the night, CPAP titration in the second half
CPAP/BiPAP titration study — determination of optimal treatment pressure
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) — measurement of daytime sleep tendency in the diagnosis of narcolepsy and hypersomnia
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) — evaluation of treatment efficacy and determination of professional fitness

Our Treatment Approaches

Following diagnosis in our Sleep Laboratory, individualized treatment plans are created based on the type and severity of the condition.

Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Therapy

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the primary treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. In our laboratory, patient-specific CPAP titration is performed to determine the ideal treatment pressure. For patients with complex sleep apnea or a central apnea component, BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) or ASV (adaptive servo-ventilation) devices are preferred.

To improve patient compliance with the device, different mask types (nasal, oronasal, nasal pillow) are tested, and patient education is provided. Treatment compliance and efficacy are regularly evaluated through remote monitoring of device data.

Surgical and Other Treatment Options

Upper airway surgery — uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), tonsillectomy, nasal surgery (septoplasty, turbinate reduction)
Oral appliance therapy — adjustment of lower jaw position with mandibular advancement devices
Positional therapy — sleep position training for supine-dependent apnea
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation — implantable upper airway stimulator in selected cases
Weight management — dietitian-supported program for sleep apnea associated with obesity

Insomnia Treatment

In the treatment of chronic insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment in international guidelines. Evidence-based methods such as sleep hygiene education, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and relaxation techniques are applied. Pharmacological treatment is planned in a short-term and controlled manner in cases where deemed necessary.

Patient Evaluation Process

Patients applying to the Sleep Laboratory first undergo a detailed outpatient evaluation by a sleep medicine specialist. Standardized assessment tools such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP-BANG questionnaire, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index are used. Polysomnography is planned based on clinical suspicion, test results are reported by the sleep medicine specialist, and treatment recommendations are conveyed to the patient face-to-face.

Why Koru Hospital Sleep Laboratory?

Expert physician staff experienced in sleep medicine and certified sleep technicians
High-accuracy diagnostic recording with latest-generation polysomnography devices
Individual sleep rooms with hotel comfort — evaluation close to the natural sleep environment
Comprehensive treatment management including post-diagnosis CPAP titration and device compliance tracking
Multidisciplinary collaboration with ENT, pulmonology, neurology, and dietetics departments
Full-scope sleep laboratory service including daytime sleep tests (MSLT, MWT)

Within Koru Hospital Sleep Laboratory, our expert staff provides evidence-based, individualized treatment programs to our patients by establishing an accurate diagnosis of sleep disorders. Quality sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy life. You can contact our center to improve your sleep quality.