WHAT TO EXPECT
What to Expect
Rest assured, if you think you have a sleep disorder or know someone who does, the quality of sleep you are seeking could be a reality and quality of life restored. The first step is an initial consultation with one of our physicians. We offer flexible scheduling options so you can come in when it is convenient for you.
Initial Consultation
The first appointment is scheduled for an initial consultation with our sleep specialist. A medical history and physical exam (H & P) will be performed. A patient is questioned regarding sleep patterns and difficulties; the patient’s questions are also answered. 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.
You will be sent a welcome packet with directions to the center, a sleep log, a brochure Your Stay at The Regional Center for Sleep Medicine, and additional paperwork. Please bring paperwork with you to all of your appointments, a list of your current medications, insurance card, and co-pay.
Sleep Testing
Following the initial consultation, a diagnostic sleep study may be scheduled. The data collected during the sleep study is then interpreted by the Sleep Center Physician to determine what treatment is necessary. 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.
Overnight sleep studies (called a polysomnogram) take place in comfortable, private patient bedrooms similar to a bedroom at home or a hotel room and are monitored by polysomnograhic technologists. A detailed sleep evaluation is compiled, discussed with you at the center, and sent to your primary care physician with a recommended treatment plan. Our professional staff members always do everything possible to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
What to Bring
1. For the benefit of your privacy and comfort, please bring appropriate clothing for extended 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.
2. Personal toiletries: toothbrush, shampoo, hair-dryer, soap, shaving cream, razor, etc.
3. If you are taking medications prescribed to you by your doctor, please bring them and take at your prescribed time. Please inform the technician that you are taking medication.
4. Insurance card, ID, sleep log and the packet provided to you.
5.
Reading material, playing cards, crafts. There will be times you will be waiting to be tested please bring something to do during those times. The lounge is also supplied with a TV and magazines for your use.
What not to bring
1.
Please do not bring any medications prescribed for sleep unless you are instructed to do so by the doctor during your sleep consultation.
2. Please do not bring any job-related work.
3. Please do not bring valuables or large sums of money with you.
4. Please do not bring any food or drink with caffeine (coffees, teas, cola, and chocolate)
5.
Please be sure that if you bring your cell phone with you that it is turned 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:
1. Please shower, wash, and dry hair prior to coming to the center.
2. Do not use any cream rinses, lotions, hair spray, or other hair products.
3. Do not use any skin lotions/creams.
4. Women are asked to remove their makeup before or shortly after arriving.
5. Generally, men should be clean-shaven before coming in; however, we are able to accommodate men with beards.
6. Please do not have any alcohol or caffeine products on the day of your study.
7. If possible, please try to not nap during the day of your test.
Upon Arrival
Shortly after you arrive at our sleep center, you will be shown to one of our private bedrooms.
You will be asked to change into your pajamas, the technician will ask a series of questions including types of medication you may have taken the day of your study, your activities that day, and prepare for “hook-up”. This means the technicians will fasten the recording equipment called electrodes to your head, legs, chin, and next to the outside of your eyes (near the temples) using special adhesive paste or tape. Please be sure to let the technician know if you have any skin or environmental allergies. There are approximately 15 electrodes to be applied. You may feel strange with electrodes (long wires) attached to you body; however, the process is painless. 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.
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 sleep. This means that a technician will wake you up at approximately 6 a.m. If you need to wake up prior to 6a.m. please let the technician know when you arrive; therefore, the sleep study can begin earlier.
* Please note:
During your sleep study, you will not be permitted to have visitors. A phone is available if you need to contact someone; however, accommodations can be made for a caregiver.
Daytime Naps
Open During Daytime Lab Hours
Your doctor may have ordered an additional test called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) as part of your evaluation. This means you will need to stay the following day for a series of naps to monitor your daytime sleepiness.