Do I Need a Sleep Study?
There are a number of factors that will determine if you need a sleep study. These include physical symptoms, daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular condition, sleeping habits or problems, body mass index, family history and an overall feeling of wellness. Your physician can evaluate your need for a sleep study during a history and physical or regular office visit, usually using a standardized questionnaire.

Why Do I Need a Referral?
Your physician can refer you directly for testing, or you may call to schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Sleep Medicine physicians. In either case, a physician’s order is required for testing.

Along with your physician’s order, we will ask your referring physician to send us a copy of your history and physical including information about your primary complaint or sleep problem (i.e., reason for the study). If you elect to see one of our physicians, you will be scheduled for a consultation where they will perform a history and physical, and schedule you for any testing or evaluations necessary. Not all sleep disorders require a sleep study for their evaluation and/or treatment.

What Is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study, or polysomnogram (PSG) as it is medically defined, is a diagnostic test that is performed as you sleep during the night. The procedure itself involves applying electrodes and sensors to specific areas of the body utilizing standard methodology. You will be connected to our computer controlled recording device, and your sleep study will begin as close to your normal bed time as possible. Certain physiological activities including brainwaves, muscle activity, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns and oxygen levels in the blood are monitored by the technologist from a separate room. This test is completely safe and totally noninvasive (no needles).

What Happens Next?
In the morning you will be detached from the sensors and, if you wish, take a shower and enjoy a light continental breakfast before leaving. Upon discharge you will receive the appropriate paperwork and a few additional questionnaires on how you slept and quality of the facility and staff. During the next 2 – 3 days, your recording will be analyzed by a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist and the results interpreted by a Board Certified Sleep Specialist. A report which includes recommendations for treatment, if required, will be sent to your referring physician. You will then be instructed to schedule an appointment with your

What Is The Treatment?
Depending on the results of your sleep study you may be recommended for treatment. Not all sleep disorders require medications. Some treatment recommendations may include medications or changing your sleep “habits.”

The most common sleep disorder is a condition known as sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This is treated with a device called PAP, short for Positive Airway Pressure. There are several types of PAP devices, most commonly used are CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and Bi-level therapy. Each device is attached by way of a tube to your nose only, or your nose and mouth. The style of “mask” that touches your face will vary, as some may fit better for one individual than another. CPAP has a steady flow of air which acts as a "splint" to maintain an open airway. Bi-level therapy requires more specialized machines and enables a lower pressure when patients are exhaling to help them breathe more comfortably. Specific recommendations will be made by the Board Certified Sleep Specialist upon review of your study.