What is the primary purpose of a 'split' sleep study?

The primary purpose of a 'split' sleep study is to treat the patient expeditiously after diagnosis. A split sleep study allows for both the evaluation of sleep patterns and the potential initiation of treatment during the same night. This is beneficial because it reduces the need for multiple separate nights of testing, allowing healthcare providers to quickly assess whether the patient requires treatment, such as the fitting of a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.

This approach not only streamlines the diagnostic process but also enhances patient care by addressing sleep disturbances more promptly, ensuring that the patient can begin appropriate therapy sooner rather than later.