| What
to Expect When You Are Seeking Help
What to Expect When You Are Scheduled
for a Sleep Study
What to Expect When You Are Scheduled
for a Split Night Sleep Study
What to Expect When You Are Scheduled
for a Positive Airway Pressure Sleep Study
General
Questions and Answers
What To Expect When You Are...Seeking
Help
Are
you interested in having a sleep study, but have not spoken
to a physician or a healthcare provider?
We can assist you in obtaining an evaluation. Please contact
us. We will schedule a time for you to meet with a staff
member for a review of your sleep problem(s). You can expect
to undergo the daytime review of your situation at The Sleep
Center (see above for description). Appropriate sleep testing
will be explained and scheduled if needed.
Directions
and a map to our location are on the Contact
Us page.
After initial evaluation at The Sleep Center, we will provide
you with our recommendations and the resources available
to help you. We will tell you whether a physician’s
office visit is suitable or if testing should be considered
and where that help is available.
Not sure that you need to review your problems with a professional?
Review the sleep quizzes for additional
information. Read about sleep disorders and review our Getting
Started page. Would you prefer to consult with a sleep
physician? Choose a sleep physician
from our staff and contact them directly.
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What to Expect When You Are Scheduled
for...a Sleep Study
Were you referred by one of our sleep physicians?
If you have not already been scheduled by your physician’s
office, please feel free to call and schedule yourself.
Were you referred by another physician or healthcare
provider?
All patients coming to The Sleep Center who were referred
by physicians other than our sleep physicians can expect to
have two appointments, one for a detailed review of your sleep
problem and a second for the testing ordered.
The appointment for review of your sleep problem is scheduled
during the day. You will not be charged for this appointment.
You should allow an hour for this appointment. During this
visit you will watch a video describing the sleep study process
and you will discuss your sleep history with a registered
nurse or a sleep technologist. This appointment is necessary
because our sleep specialists need to have specific information
regarding your sleep complaints. This information will aid
the physicians in assessing your problem and recommending
the best treatment. The sleep physician who reviews your information
will also interpret your sleep study, if one is needed. These
appointments are offered Monday through Friday between the
hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Once this appointment is complete, you will be scheduled for
the appropriate sleep testing. If your physician's office
faxed your contact information to us, we will contact you
to schedule your consultation. If your information was not
faxed to us, feel free to contact us directly to schedule.
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What
to expect the night of the sleep study (Polysomnogram)
Arriving at The Sleep Center
You will be asked to arrive at The Sleep Center between 8:15
and 8:45 p.m. the night of your scheduled sleep study. When
you arrive at night, the front door will be locked. You will
need to knock on the front door and a sleep technologist will
let you in. Our facility is secure and safe. We are located
just a few blocks from both Scottsdale Fire and Police services.
The Sleep Center is located in a quiet, dark office complex.
It may be difficult to find in the dark. It is best to locate
The Sleep Center during daylight so that it will be easier
to find on your night of study. For step-by-step directions,
do not hesitate to call our staff between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at (480) 767-8811. If you get lost driving
here the night of your study, the sleep technologists will
answer the phone and help you locate the Sleep Center.
What to Bring
Be prepared for the sleep technologist to ask for a list of
the medications you took that day. Bring your usual bedtime
medications, unless a physician has told you not to take them
for the sleep study. If you are not sure if you should take
your usual medications, feel free to contact us. Bring all
toiletries you may need the night of the sleep study and the
next morning. If you would like to bring a snack, feel free
to do so. We have a refrigerator where the sleep technician
can store your food, if needed. If you were given paperwork
to fill out before your sleep study, bring it with you.
Your Sleeping Room
Our professional sleep technologists will greet you at the
door and show you to your bedroom. They will explain the steps
you will be going through during the night and allow you to
get settled. At The Sleep Center, each sleep technologist
is responsible for two patients each night. While there are
four patient rooms at The Sleep Center, it is unlikely you
will see or be seen by any other patients outside of the lobby
area.
Each testing room has similar beds, furnishings and decor.
The beds are firm and two pillows are available. You may
bring your own pillow(s) for extra comfort. You are welcome
to bring mattress pads, blankets, and anything else that will
provide further comfort for you.
The sleep technologist will monitor your test from the control
room and will only enter your bedroom when it is necessary.
Our staff will view your test measurements on computer monitors,
your activities with an infrared camera system, and your snoring
and spoken words with a voice monitor.
Clothing for Sleep
For your sleep study, please wear comfortable sleep clothing.
Fabrics that are slick, such as satin or silk should not be
worn because they will make it difficult for the belts to
remain on your chest and abdomen. The temperature at the sleep
center is cool. Cotton shirt, pants, shorts, etc. are all
appropriate.
Testing Your Sleep
The sleep test is designed to measure sleep stages, breathing,
body movements, heart function and oxygen levels. Measuring
all of these functions is done with sensors that are placed
on you. You may be the first patient to be hooked up to the
equipment or the second. This order is based on the time you
normally go to sleep. You can expect the sleep technologist
to spend between 30 and 45 minutes placing the sensors. Once
you are connected to the monitors, you can go to sleep or
read, watch TV, etc. until the test begins. The test will
begin as close to your normal sleeping time as possible, but
we also need to consider the time needed to complete the test.
A minimum of six (6) hours of recording time is required.
The
sleep technologist will explain the procedure of connecting
you to our equipment. There will be wires pasted on your
head, chin and legs. A small sensor will be placed under
your nose and heart monitoring leads on your chest. You
will be wearing belts on your chest and abdomen. You will
have a conducting paste in your hair and on your face. This
paste conducts signals from your body to the monitors and
gives us the information to make the needed measurements.
Will you sleep?
Most people worry that they will not be able to sleep during
the test. Will I sleep long enough? Will it be good enough
sleep to get results? These worries are usually unnecessary.
The vast majority of patients sleep long enough and well
enough for the equipment to get adequate information about
their sleep.
If you are concerned and have trouble going to sleep, speak
with your physician or the Sleep Center staff. It may be
possible to prescribe a mild sleeping aid (pill) for you
on the night of your test.
Problems During the night
If you have problems with the sensors, the temperature of
the bedroom, or if you just want to ask the sleep technologist
a question during the night, it is easy to notify the technologist.
You simply speak aloud and ask your questions. The technicians
will hear your request(s) and respond appropriately and
in a timely manner.
Getting to the bathroom
If you need to use the restroom during the night of your
sleep study, it is not a problem. Upon waking up and realizing
that you must use the restroom, you simply need to speak
aloud and say, “I need to use the restroom.”
The sleep technologist can hear you and will come into the
room. All the wires that will be attached to you plug into
one small box which the technologist will unplug for you.
You are then free to use the restroom alone. When you are
finished, the sleep technologist will plug the box back
in and you can return to sleep.
The Morning
The sleep technologist will wake you and end the test between
6 and 6:30 a.m. the next morning. It takes approximately
10 minutes for the technologist to remove the electrodes.
After this is complete, you will be asked to answer some
questions about your night’s sleep. Then you are free
to go. You will have paste from monitors in your hair that
will come out with warm water and shampoo.We have one shower
available for you to use if you must get ready for work
at The Sleep Center. Please bring your own shampoo and conditioner
if you wish to shower here. We do have bar soap available
for your use, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Special needs
Problems with confusion, incontinence, and arthritis or
other disabilities can be accomodated.
Test results
A tremendous amount of information is gathered during a
polysomnogram. It is a significant task to review the measurements
and calculate the results. The data from the test is usually
ready for the sleep physician’s review one or two
business days following the test. The physician who reviews
the test will dictate a report of their interpretation of
your results. This dictation will be typed for the sleep
physician and the referring physician(s). This process takes
one to three days for most of our physicians to complete.
However, it is dependent upon the physician’s time
and availability.
It is best to not expect completed results from your physician
for at least five working days after your test.
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What
to Expect When You Are Scheduled for...a Split Night Sleep
Study
The Test
A
split night sleep test is done when severe Obstructive
Sleep Apnea is found during the first few hours of the
sleep test. When it is clear that severe apnea is present,
treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
will be started halfway through the night of the test. Thus,
the first half of the night is used to establish the diagnosis
of obstructive sleep apnea while the second half is used
to determine how much pressure will be needed to treat the
apnea.
The pressure test performed during the second half of the
night is called a Positive Airway Pressure Sleep Study (PAP
PSG), or more commonly a CPAP Titration. A CPAP titration
study is performed to measure the effect of breathing air
at a slightly higher pressure. During this stage of the
test, the sleep technician monitors your measurements for
obstructive apnea and gradually increases the amount of
pressure required to control the obstructions.
A person with severe sleep disordered breathing problems
might be able to be diagnosed and have treatment assessed
in one night. However, realize that you may still have significant
sleep apnea even though you did not have a split night study.
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What
to Expect When You're Scheduled for...a Positive Airway
Pressure Sleep Study
The Test
Most people who are found to have obstructive sleep apnea
during their sleep study will need to be scheduled for a
separate CPAP titration study. The CPAP titration study
is performed to measure the effect of breathing air at a
slightly higher pressure. The most common form of this test
uses constant positive pressure (CPAP). While you sleep
our technicians will monitor your measurements for obstructive
apnea and gradually increase the amount of pressure to control
the obstructions.
Testing your sleep on PAP
The sleep test with CPAP is very similar to a diagnostic
sleep test. The only difference is that you will be breathing
room air at a slightly higher pressure through a special
mask. Before the test is started the sleep technician will
assist you in selecting a mask to wear. All of the sensors
used during your first study will be used again in addition
to the mask.
The sleep technicians are experienced professionals who
have assisted hundreds of individuals with choosing a mask.
They will guide your selection. If you have serious worries
about wearing a mask during sleep, let the Sleep Center
staff know and be sure to tell your sleep technician the
night of your study.
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General
Questions Answered
Q.
I've been scheduled for a sleep study,
what should I expect?
Q. What should I bring to my sleep study?
Q. Will I have a private bedroom?
Q. What about medications?
Q. Can I wear nail polish?
Q. Should I have dinner?
Q. Can I have a nap?
Q. Can I have caffeine?
Q. Should I take a shower before the study?
Q. What if I am running late?
Q. What if I have special needs?
Q. What happens when I get to the The
Sleep Center?
Q. How will the sensors be applied?
Q. What do the sensors do?
Q. Will I be able to sleep with
the sensors and wires?
Q. When will I wake up?
Q. Will I be told the results of my study
when I awake?
Q. When will my doctor receive my results?
Q. What happens if I am scheduled for a Nap
Study?
Q.
I've been scheduled for a sleep study, what should I expect?
A. After you schedule an appointment you will receive
a package of information including directions to the sleep
center, some information about the study, and a health questionnaire.
We will send you this packet by mail, email, or fax according
to your preference.
Q.
What should I bring to my sleep study?
A. Pack as you would for an overnight stay at a
friend's house. For the benefit of your privacy and comfort,
please bring appropriate and comfortable nightclothes (such
as T-shirts and sweat pants or pajama top and bottoms).
Review the recommended checklist to insure that you have
everything you might need. Also please bring the directions
and forms that you received with your package.
Q.
Will I have a private bedroom?
A. Yes, you will have a private bedroom.
Q.
What about medications?
A. Please take your medications as usual and bring
them to The Sleep Center if necessary. We also recommend
that you discuss your medications with your physician.
Q.
Can I wear nail polish?
A. If you wear nail polish (particularly reds and
dark colors) we might have to remove it from at least one
finger to obtain a good signal from the oxygen sensor.
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Q.
Should I have dinner?
A. Please eat dinner before arrival. You may bring
a snack if you wish. Meals will not be provided.
Q.
Can I have a nap?
A. It is important that you avoid napping on the
day of the study.
Q.
Can I have caffeine?
A. Avoid caffeine (coffee, colas, chocolates, etc.)
after 12:00 noon on the day of the study.
Q.
Should I take a shower before the study?
A. You may find that a shower before arriving at
the sleep center will make you feel more relaxed. Wash and
dry your hair and do not apply any sprays, lotions, oils,
gels, or make-up.
Q.
What if I am running late?
A. Please contact our lab directly and let us know
of your approximate time of arrival.
Q.
What if I have special needs?
A. Please call our office between 9:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will be happy to answer
any questions you may have about the sleep study procedure.
Q.
What happens when I get to The Sleep Center?
A. Once you arrive at the center, a sleep technologist
will welcome you and show you to your room. Our technologist
will ask you to fill out some forms and will tell you what
to expect. Please feel free to ask any questions. Our technologists
have been specially trained to monitor your sleep during
the night. They will apply small sensors to your head, chest
area and legs. Elastic bands will be placed around your
chest and abdomen. These monitors will be connected to wires
that attach to our recording equipment. After the sensors
are applied, you may have some free time to relax before
bedtime.
Q.
How will the sensors be applied?
A. We will use a medical adhesive which will be
easily removed in the morning after testing.
Q.
What do the sensors do?
A. They help us record brain wave activity, eye
movement, muscle contractions, heart activity and your breathing
during sleep.
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Q.
Will I be able to sleep with the sensors and wires?
A. You may find them a bit strange at first, but
most people do not find them uncomfortable or an obstacle
to falling asleep. We will make every effort to make sure
that you are as comfortable as possible. If a problem arises,
our technologist will make adjustments. Every bedroom has
an open intercom that will enable you to communicate with
our technologist at any time. If you need to use the bathroom
during the night, our technologists will assist and disconnect
you temporarily.
Q.
When will I wake up?
A. If you are not already awake, you will be awakened
between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.
Q.
Will I be told the results of my study when I awake?
A. A large amount of information is collected during
your sleep study. Within a few days a sleep specialist from
The Sleep Center will interpret this information. **On the
morning after your study our sleep technologists cannot
provide you with any information about your results. Your
physician or your sleep physician usually has access to
the results in five to seven days. If needed, based upon
the results and your ordering physican, we will contact
you to determine treatment options.
Q.
When will my doctor receive my results?
A. It usually takes 7-10 days for your doctor to
receive your formal report. You may need to schedule a follow-up
visit with your physician to discuss the findings and recommendations
for treatment. If you initially saw one of our specialists,
we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss treatment
options.
Q.
What happens if I am scheduled for a Nap Study?
A. Your doctor may have ordered an additional test
called a Multiple Latency Sleep Test (MSLT) as part of your
overall evaluation. This means that you will need to stay
at the center for most of the following day for a series
of brief naps. The naps are scheduled throughout the day.
You are more than welcome to bring reading materials, puzzles
or any other entertainment items that will help you pass
the time. You may also bring your laptop to access the internet.
We provide lunch.
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