Physical examination and history

Patients usually have a complete physical examination by their referring physician before their sleep study is scheduled.

Scheduling your sleep studies

Studies are conducted six nights a week at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital and at the Marion location. The actual sleep study will require you to stay overnight as an outpatient. To simulate your sleeping environment at home, the Sleep Disorders Center is comfortably furnished like a bedroom, including a private bathroom and shower. The staff at the center will schedule the sleep studies at a date convenient for you, including scheduling a daytime sleep study if you do shift work.

When you are scheduled you will report to the Sleep Disorders Center at a designated time. You will be instructed to bring comfortable clothes and shoes. You may be asked to view a video tape that better explains the procedure. The technologist will explain all procedures and, at the time you are ready for sleep, you will be connected to various external monitors. At all times during the study, the technologist will be in the adjacent room and is available if you need assistance.

Monitoring and evaluation during the study

Sleep studies include continuous monitoring of sleep patterns by brain waves, muscle movements and eye movements. Your oxygen saturation, heart rate, chest and abdominal movements, body and leg movements, and airflow from your nose and mouth are also monitored. The entire procedure is painless and accomplished by using skin-surface devices. The activities and movements are monitored and recorded by sophisticated equipment. Throughout the study you are observed by the technologist through a closed-circuit television monitor.

Analysis and Follow-Up

After your sleep study, the medical director, who is board certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine, analyzes all information recorded during the study. A full report will be mailed to your physician regarding the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan. You or your physician, are encouraged to telephone the center if you have any questions.

For any sleep disorder, it is important for you to understand the underlying cause. Usually an initial sleep study is done to diagnose the cause of the sleep disorder. Sometimes, treatments can be recommended based on that outcome. Yet in other cases, a second overnight study may be required in order to find the right treatment. Because the nature of the problem is during sleep, we need to monitor you while you sleep to know if treatments are working.

The Cost of Sleep Evaluations

Because of the variety of sleep disorders, the required sleep monitoring and evaluation studies may vary and consequently the total cost of the sleep study may also vary. Studies performed in the Sleep Disorders Center are accepted medical procedures and are usually covered by your insurance carrier. We suggest that you contact your insurance company to determine your coverage.

The center’s staff will be happy to assist in any way.