Sleep Center Patient Education

Below are some common questions about sleep disorders, particularly how to know you might have one and who is most at risk. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder? 

• Do you snore loudly?
• Do others say you stop breathing while you sleep?
• Do you feel exhausted after you wake up?
• Do you almost fall asleep while driving?
• Do you feel tired during the day, especially after lunch?
• Do you have creepy, crawly, achy feelings in your legs?
• Do you have the urge to move your legs at night?
• Do you have nocturnal leg jerking?
• Do you walk or eat in your sleep?
• Do you act out your dreams? 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may have a sleep disorder. 

Are some people at greater risk for a sleep disorder? 

Anyone can develop a sleep disorder, however, poor health or hormone changes can place you at greater risk for developing one. If you fall into one of the following categories, you may want to schedule an appointment with one of our sleep physicians if you notice any sleep disorder symptoms: 

• Cardiac patients with ischemic heart disease, a coronary artery bypass, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and refractory hypertension.
• Obese patients and morbidly obese patients, especially those who have had gastric bypass.
• Stroke patients.
• Women after menopause. 

What happens after I am admitted for my sleep study? 

You will be escorted to your private bedroom by the technologist who will be with you all night. You will change into your sleeping attire and small monitors will be attached to your head, chest, legs and finger to allow us to record different parameters while you sleep. None of these will hurt or pinch and you can turn around in bed freely. You will be given time to get used to your room/surroundings and get ready to sleep. 

Where do I sleep? 

You will have a private bedroom with a high quality queen size bed, TV, individual temperature control unit, overhead fan, patient chair, a cubby for your belongings and an on-suite bathroom (some bathrooms have showers so make sure you ask for one if you are going onto work the next morning). 

Is there a bathroom/shower close by? 

Each room has a private on-suite bathroom; some have showers. 

How do I let someone know I have to use the bathroom? 

You can be heard at all times through an audio system connected to the tech room. Just call out and a tech will be there within a couple of seconds. We also have bedside commodes and urinals upon request. 

Is someone watching me all night long? 

You will be by yourself in the room. A digital video of the entire study will be recorded and reviewed for body position by the interpreting physician. These videos cannot be reproduced and are deleted when the interpretation is finished. 

Can I watch TV or do something to let me fall asleep? 

Of course! We encourage you to bring your laptop, a book or watch TV before we start the study. You will have some time after the monitors are placed to get situated. 

What if I cannot go sleep; do you give me medication? 

If you are anxious and take a long time to fall asleep in a hotel during vacation, you might ask your referring physician for a one-time sedation to use while in the Sleep Center. 

Do I share a room with another patient? 

No, each of our rooms are private. 

What do I do to prepare for my study? 

We ask you to stop consuming anything containing caffeine after lunchtime the day of your study. Try not to take any naps that day. Eat normal meals at your regular time. Daily medications should be taken before you are admitted. Please shower and make sure you hair is dry and free of all chemical products.  Do not use any lotions or moisturizers on your face or legs. Patients with artificial fingernails, hair extensions and toupees should alert the scheduling staff of these products to make sure we can accommodate them during your testing procedure. 

What do I need to bring with me for my study? 

Bring a small overnight bag with your sleeping attire (two pieces are required), toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, hairbrush, etc.), slippers and your clothing for the next morning. You are welcome to bring a nighttime snack and beverage (no caffeine please) if this is part of your normal bedtime routine. Our beds have high quality linens, blankets and three pillows, but if you have a favorite pillow please bring it (but take it home with you when you leave). We also have Craftmatic beds and recliners if you sleep in one at home. 

How long will I be in the Sleep Center? 

You will be asked to be in the lab for a night-time study by 8:30 pm and we usually begin the study around 11 pm. You will be woken up between 5:30 - 6 am and discharged by 6:30 am. There are daytime studies and “nap” studies as ordered by your physician. The day studies are scheduled in different timeframes and will be discussed with you during your scheduling appointment. 

How do I get my test results? 

The day after your study has been completed; results are tabulated by a registered sleep technologist and then interpreted by a board-certified sleep specialist. A report is sent to the physician who referred you. Your referring physician will then discuss the test results and any treatment options with you.