Know Before You Go

Consultation

If you are coming as a patient to the sleep center with a complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness or other sleep concerns you will start with an initial consultation to meet the sleep physician. He or she will go over your sleep and medical history and do a short physical.

Overnight Study

If the doctor feels an overnight study (known as a polysomnogram or PSG) is necessary, we will set up an appointment for you to come in.

Here’s what to expect during your stay:

• Arrive at the sleep center between 8:30 and 9:00 pm.
• Meet with our sleep technologists who will be monitoring your study. They will show you to your room where you can get comfortable.
• You will then be prepared for your study including the connection process where sensors are connected to the body so the information necessary to diagnose your disorder can be obtained.
• Relax and watch television in one of our lounges (we also have DVD and VCR players for movies), or read comfortably in your room until it is time for the study to begin. For your convenience we have a refrigerator, toaster oven, and microwave as well.
• At bedtime, our sleep technologist will take you to your room, connect the sensors to the main computer and verify all connections are working properly.
• During the study, if you awaken and need to use the bathroom, you may get the technologist’s attention by knocking on the headboard.
• We try to put you in bed as close to your bedtime as possible, and should have you ready to leave around 7:00 am the following morning. However if you need to leave earlier, be sure to tell the technologist the night before and they will get you up as early as needed.

Daytime Testing (if required)

Some patients are requested to stay the following day for a series of five (5) 20 minute naps. This will be decided at your consultation with the doctor. We will supply breakfast and lunch, however if you have a special medical diet we suggest you bring these food items with you. Between your naps, you will be able to walk around freely, watch TV or a movie, and read or converse with other patients. We also have internet access if you would like to bring your laptop.

CPAP Setup (if necessary)

If we do find that you have sleep apnea, you will be requested to come back for a second night study (again between 8:30 and 9:00 pm) to be fitted for a mask and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) will be administered during the night to determine its effectiveness. You will be able to leave around 7:00 am the next morning.

Follow-up Appointment

After you have completed all the necessary testing, you should return for a follow-up appointment (approximately 15 minutes) and discuss the results with the physician. During this time, treatment options will be presented to help you sleep soundly every night.

Have questions about our process? Feel free to contact us today.