It is estimated that between 50-150 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder.
What are Common Sleep Disorders that are tested for?
- Snoring/Sleep Apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
- Parasomnias (abnormal behaviors during sleep)
Why was a sleep study ordered for me?
Many sleep disorders can be discovered during a sleep study.
When should I arrive for my sleep study?
You will be scheduled for a specific date and time. Please arrive promptly at your scheduled time.
When can I leave my sleep study?
Sleep studies generally end at 6:30 am.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable, modest sleep wear. (Sweatpants or loose shorts and a t-shirt work well)
- A book or magazine to read (there are no Televisions in the sleep lab rooms).
- Any necessary toiletries
- Any medications typically taken at night (see below)
- A special pillow or blanket if that would make your night more comfortable.
What Medications are permitted?
You should take all normal medications as you typically do. If you have a medication that makes you feel sleepy DO NOT take that medication until your night technician tells you to do so.
What is monitored during my sleep study?
- Brain wave activity (looking at sleep stages, arousals, and possibly, seizures.
- Airflow (looking for decreases in flow known as apneas or hypopneas)
- Carbon dioxide levels (pediatric studies only).
- Respiratory effort (both chest and abdominal).
- Eye movements and chin muscle tone (looking for evidence of dream or REM sleep).
- Leg EMG (to detect limb movements)
- EKG (looking for cardiac arrhythmias)
How will I sleep with all these tubes and wires attached to me?
More than 95% of the time there will be plenty of sleep time to get all the information necessary.
What’s next?
It takes 7-10 business days for your study to be processed. Please make sure to schedule necessary appointments with your sleep specialist.
Possible Costs
Your insurance policy determines the final cost of your sleep care.
As a courtesy to our patients and referring providers, our authorizations team will contact your insurance company and determine if prior authorization is required. They will obtain authorization before scheduling your study.
*Durable Medical Equipment is billed through your equipment provider.
