Patient Resources

Please bring the following items with you the day of your sleep study:

• Glucometer, if you have diabetes
• List of all medications you currently take
• Loose fitting clothing, preferably two-piece pajamas
• Medications you will need to take before bed or in the morning

Also, please be sure that your hair and skin are free of lotion, gel, hairspray, or makeup before you come for your sleep study.

During your sleep study we monitor the following:

• Brain waves
• Breathing problems
• Heart rate
• Leg movement
• Oxygen levels

A technician will greet you upon arrival. You will be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. You will have several sensors attached to your body to help the technician observe you during the night. Don’t worry; you may get up at any time to use the restroom.

It may seem impossible to sleep with sensors attached to you, but most everyone sleeps enough to facilitate a diagnosis.

The technician will remove all the sensors in the morning. You may shower at the lab if you wish. Your sleep physician will review the entire sleep test and contact you with the results of your sleep study. You will be ready to leave around 6:15 a.m.

There are multiple treatment options including CPAP/BiPAP, oral appliances, conservative management, as well as surgical options. We will work with you to find the correct treatment plan.

Yes. There are a few different types of PAP therapy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provides a constant pressure during the night. Most patients will utilize this type of therapy. Patients that are unable to tolerate CPAP may try bi-level positive airway pressure, which provides alternating pressures throughout the night and will benefit patients in need of higher pressures.

Studies have shown that CPAP therapy helps people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) live longer. CPAP therapy provides air pressure to you through a mask that you wear while you’re sleeping. This air pressure holds open the airway to allow you to sleep without airway blockage. Do not be discouraged if you do not feel the results right away. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefits. If after a month you still are not feeling the benefits, talk to your provider at your follow-up appointment to discuss possible causes.

• Boosts energy levels
• Improves memory
• Improves mood
• Reduces daytime sleepiness
• Stabilizes blood pressure

We have several masks to choose from, your technician will help you with this. You will need a mask that is comfortable, yet seals properly. We understand that wearing a mask to sleep can be challenging on some people. Different styles of masks include ones that cover just the nose and mouth, as well as ones that just sit inside the nose. Wearing a mask can take some adjustment, but it will get easier with time.