Why should I be concerned about my Sleep?
Sleep isn’t just “time out” from daily life. It is an active state important for renewing our mental and physical health each day. When sleeping, the brain is directing the body to carry out certain processes such as healing and repairing itself, rebuilding damaged and worn out tissues and restoring chemical balances. However, if you do not sleep well, you awaken groggy and feel irritable because poor sleep interferes with your brain’s ability to do it’s job.

How do I know if I have problems with my Sleep?

1. Do you feel tired or groggy upon awakening?
2. Are you often sleepy during waking hours?
3. Do you have difficulty concentrating or making decisions?
4. Do you get headaches often?
5. Are you currently being treated for hypertension, depression or diabetes?
6. Are you overweight?
7. Do you snore?
8. Are you kept awake by restless legs?
9. Do you make frequent trips to the bathroom during the night?
10. Do you wake up with a dry mouth?

If you answered “YES” to any of the above questions, talk to your physician about your potential need for a Sleep Study.

Why would I need a Sleep Study?
A Sleep study is done to rule out or diagnose a problem or disorder concerning your Sleep. There are more than 80 known sleep problems and disorders.

What are some examples of Sleep problems and disorders?
Sleep Apnea, Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome, Snoring, Hypersomnia, Insomnia, Restless Legs Syndrome, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, Narcolepsy etc.

Are Sleep disorders treatable?
Answer: Most can be successfully treated with medication, light therapy and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices.

Does poor Sleep affect my health and well-being? If yes, how?
Absolutely. If left untreated, these problems can cause serious damage to your health such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, heart attacks, stroke, headaches and even death. Also, poor sleep may cause problems in areas of energy level, mental functions and sex.

What do I bring to the Sleep Lab when I come for my study?
Please bring an overnight bag with pajamas, nightgown or shorts and t-shirt. Try to avoid satin, nylon and silk fabrics as well as pajamas with elastic around the ankles. Bring all personal toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ALL MEDICATIONS. Feel free to bring any books, magazines, favorite pillow, etc. Also, please bring picture I.D. and insurance cards.

Sleeping in undergarments only is not allowed. Please be advised that members of the opposite sex may be scheduled for the same night of your study. Please dress appropriately.

Will you give me a meal or snack before bed? Do you provide breakfast in the morning?
Please eat dinner prior to arriving to the center. We do not provide any meals or snacks but you are most welcome to bring snacks or drinks with you.

What time do I arrive? Will I have to do any paperwork?
Please arrive at 7:30 p.m. and bring the paperwork with you that was mailed to your home. Please fill this out prior to your arrival to the sleep center. We will have some additional paperwork for you upon arrival.

What time will I get to leave in the morning?
The study usually ends between 5:30-6:00 a.m. Please make arrangements for transportation by 6:15 a.m. if you do not drive yourself.

I have to go to work right after I’m done with my study in the morning. Do you have a shower I can use?
Yes, absolutely. We will provide you with towel and washcloth.

I have a large deductable to pay. I am not able to pay this all at once. Can I make payment arrangements with you?
When you schedule your study, please ask to speak with our billing dept. to discuss payment options.

Can my spouse or kids come and stay with me?
Due to testing requirements, no one is permitted to sleep in the bed with the patient. Family and friends are asked to make other arrangements. The only exception to this is if you have a severe disability that requires you to have a personal caregiver throughout the night. Please note though that the caregiver will have to stay in a separate room. Please make prior arrangements for this through our sleep lab manager when you are scheduling.

Can I have caffeine during the day before my study?
Please avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, etc) after 5:00 p.m. on the day of your study.

Can I take a short nap on the day of my study?
Please try not to nap on the day of your Sleep Study.

Is it o.k. if I have hairspray in my hair?
No. It is very important that your hair is clean and free of any chemicals or hair products including hairspray, gels, moose, oils, etc.

I wear a wig. Can I keep it on during the study?
Because we will be placing electrodes on various areas on your scalp, we would have to ask you remove any type of wig or hairpiece.

If I am unable to make my scheduled appt, how much cancellation notice do you need?
Please call within 24 hours of your scheduled appt. date to cancel or reschedule. Also, please note there is a $75.00 charge for all No Show appointments.

Can I use my cellphone until I fall asleep?
You may use your cellphone up until we start your study. Once we start the study we would need you to only use your cellphone in the event of am emergency. The reason for this is that the cellphones cause interference with the Sleep Study signals and we cannot record data properly.

Do you have T.V.’s in the rooms? Do you have cable?
Yes, all rooms have their own t.v. with cable!

How am I going to sleep with all the wires hooked to me?
Our Sleep Lab is a very relaxed atmosphere with very comfortable beds. Patients generally fall asleep with no problems from the wires!

After I have all the electrodes hooked up, can I go outside for a cigarette?
We ask that you please try to have your final cigarette of the evening before we start hooking you up. Please let the technician know if you would like to go outside before your hook-up process is started.

I take a diuretic and have to go the bathroom several times a night. How can I do this when I’m all hooked up to wires?
No problem! You will just signal the technician that you need to get up and we will come right in and temporarily unhook you so you may use the restroom. This is no problem at all.

I have to take my medicine at midnight. Can you wake me up and give me some water so I can take it?
Sure. Just remind your technician of this before you go to bed.

I take Ambien for sleep but I only take it as needed. Will you want me to take it that night?
We do not make any changes to your medication routine and we are not able to make that decision for you. It will be totally up to you whether or not you decide to take it. Please be sure to the technician know if you did so we can make note of it on your report.

Does having a sleep study hurt at all?
No, not at all. There are no needles. Everything is stuck on the outside of the skin or scalp. There are 2 belts that go around your abdomen and chest.

How do I get the glue out of my hair that was used to put the electrodes my scalp?
The glue will wash right out with mild shampoo and hot water

Can you tell me in the morning if I have sleep apnea?
No, only a certified sleep physician can determine this. OUR Sleep physician will review your study and you should get your results from YOUR referring physician within 7-10 days.