What to Expect

At the Sleep Center, we want our patients to know what to expect before, during and after the testing process.

Initial consultation
Sleep testing
What to bring
How to prepare
Visitors
Following your test

Initial consultation

The first appointment is scheduled for an initial consultation with our sleep specialist. The sleep specialist will perform a medical history and physical exam.  The patient is questioned regarding sleep patterns and difficulties, and the specialist answers the patient's questions. If possible, it is a good idea to bring a spouse or significant other to your appointment. They may be able to answer questions about what occurs during your sleep. A tour of the facility can be provided at the patient’s request.

Sleep test

Following the initial consultation, a diagnostic sleep study may be scheduled.

Overnight sleep studies (called a polysomnogram) take place in comfortable, private patient bedrooms similar to a bedroom at home.

Shortly after you arrive at our Sleep Center, we will show you to the bedroom.  You will be asked to change into your pajamas.  The technician will ask a series of questions including the medication you may have taken the day of your study and your activities that day.  Please be sure to let the technician know if you have any skin or environmental allergies.

The technicians will fasten 15 electrodes (recording equipment) to your head, legs, chin and the outside of your eyes (near the temples) using special adhesive paste or tape. The process is painless, and our staff members do everything possible to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. The electrodes simply record the brain activity and muscle movement; they do not produce any electrical current of their own.  You will be free to move around, use the bathroom, watch TV in the lounge, relax and read until approximately 10 p.m.

At approximately 10 p.m., the technicians will show you to your bedroom and apply a few additional recording devices.  Again, the procedure is painless and will not restrict your movement during sleep.

The sleep study will begin around 10:30 p.m.  The technician will be in a separate room with specialized equipment monitoring your sleep. If you need anything during the night, simply ask, and the technician will hear you through the intercom and assist you.

To make a proper diagnosis, it is essential for the patient to get at least seven hours of sleep.  This means that a technician will wake you up at approximately 6 a.m.  If you need to wake up prior to 6 a.m., please let the technician know when you arrive.  He or she will start the study earlier.

What to bring

• For the benefit of your privacy and comfort, please bring appropriate clothing for an over-night stay in a co-ed environment (such as t-shirt and sweat pants or pajama top and bottoms). You may also want to bring a robe and slippers/socks.
• Personal toiletries, such as a toothbrush, soap, etc.
• If you are on prescription medications, please bring them and take at your prescribed time. Please inform the technician that you are taking medication.
• Insurance card, ID, sleep log and the packet provided to you.
• There will be times you will be waiting to be tested. Please bring a book or something else to do during those times. The lounge is also supplied with a TV and magazines for your use.

What NOT to bring

• Do not bring any medications prescribed for sleep unless you are instructed to do so by the doctor.
• Do not bring any job-related work.
• Do not bring anything valuable with you.
• Do not bring any foods or drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate).
• If you bring your cell phone with you, please turn it off prior to your study.

How to prepare

There are several things you can do to assist us in getting the best recordings possible. In order for our electrodes to work properly, they must be applied to skin and hair that is clean and dry.  For this reason please do the following:

• Shower, wash, and dry hair prior to coming to the center.
• Do not use any cream rinses, lotions, hair spray, or other hair products.
• Do not use any skin lotions/creams.
• Women are asked to remove their makeup before or shortly after arriving.
• Men should be clean-shaven before coming in, but we are able to accommodate men with beards if necessary
• Do not consume alcohol or caffeine products on the day of your study.
• Try not to not nap during the day of your test.

Visitors
You are not permitted to have visitors. If you need a caregiver, we will provide accommodations.
Following your sleep test
The data collected during your sleep study is interpreted by the Sleep Center Physician.  A second night, called a treatment night, may be prescribed depending on the results of your diagnostic study. You may also be asked to stay during the day for naps in order to assess your daytime sleepiness.

A detailed sleep evaluation is compiled, discussed with you at the center and sent to your primary care physician with a recommended treatment plan.