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 What does a sleep center evaluation involve?
How do you expect me to sleep with all those wires in a strange environment?
What if I go to the bathroom several times during the night?
What if I have a good/bad night?
Why sleep at night?
Will insurance cover my sleep study?
What does a sleep center evaluation involve?
Your first visit to Sleep Medicine Specialists is a consultation appointment where you will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will provide important sleep and medical history. Once this information is reviewed, your physician will determine if a sleep study is necessary.
A sleep study is an overnight study scheduled at one of our convenient locations. Upon arrival to Sleep Medicine Specialists you will be greeted by a sleep technician and shown to your private sleep suite. The technician will apply several small wires to your head, face, chin, chest and legs. These wires are not painful or invasive, and do not restrict your movement in or out of bed. This procedure allows recording of measurements to identify sleep stages, breathing patterns, heart activity, snoring and muscle movements.
Your sleep study will be evaluated by your sleep technician and physician. Our staff may contact you by phone to review your study results, or you may be asked to return for a follow up visit with your physician. All findings are also forwarded to your referring physician.
How do you expect me to sleep with all those wires in a strange environment?
The wires are not uncomfortable or painful and do not restrict your movement. Our rooms are private and comfortable, much like a hotel room. We do not expect you to fall asleep immediately upon arrival, but most people begin to feel sleepy about the same time they would at home. If you are unable to fall asleep after lights-out, we may offer a mild, short acting sleeping pill if you wish. This pill will not alter your sleep study results, it simply helps you fall asleep so we can monitor as much of your sleep as possible.
What if I go to the bathroom several times during the night?
Your technician can temporarily pause your study, allowing you to use the restroom. All your wires are connected into a small portable recording box that can be taken with you to the restroom as many times as you need.
What if I have a good/bad night?
Everyone has good and bad nights, however, we are usually able to obtain enough information about your sleep in less than 6 hours, and in some instances within 2 hours. Your physical sleep activities being monitored do not vary from night to night, which enables us to accurately evaluate your sleep on any given night.
Why sleep at night?
The pattern of sleeping at night and being awake during the day feels natural because it is natural. The area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) houses the well-known circadian 'biological clock.' The SCN responds to light stimuli, so the lack of light at night triggers sleepiness. The light of day wakes up the SCN -- and thus the biological clock. The biological clock times important body functions such as the release of hormones, the lowering of blood pressure, and the consolidation of memory to coincide with nighttime sleep. Defying the body's natural circadian rhythm can result in sleepiness and poor performance.
Will insurance cover my sleep study?
The services of Sleep Medicine Specialists are covered by most major insurance carriers. Please check with your own carrier and understand the specifics of your coverage prior to making an appointment.
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