Have a question? Find your answer below …
How do I prepare for my first office visit?
After you have scheduled your initial consultation, visit our website to download the New Patient Packet forms. Fill these out and bring them with you to the first visit. You may also request the forms be mailed to your home by calling our office. Your first office visit does not involve any testing, so no special preparation is needed.
How do I prepare for my sleep study?
Preparation for PSG, Split PSG, CPAP/BIPAP Titration Study
(usually performed overnight)
After 12:00 noon on the day of your test, no caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, or soda. You may drink non-caffeinated beverages.
Do not use excessive hair sprays, lotions, or oils. If you wear a hairpiece, you may be asked to remove it for the test.
Bring any toiletry items needed for the next morning, a book or magazine, and you may bring your own pillow if you like.
Eat dinner prior to arriving at the Sleep Center. Do not eat or drink anything that normally gives you indigestion, or would keep you from getting a full night’s sleep.
Make-up and body lotions and oils are not recommended.
Acrylic nails and nail polish are not recommended. For monitoring purposes, you might be asked to remove acrylic and/or nail polish from one finger.
Ask your sleep doctor if you have any questions on whether to take your normal medications prior to or during this test. Bring any medications you will need during the test, including asthma treatments and snacks for individuals with diabetes if needed.
What should I expect during the sleep study?
Once you arrive in the facility, you will be greeted by one of our technicians and you will have a private bedroom assigned for you. The rooms are set up like normal, comfortable bedrooms. You have a queen sized bed and plasma TV on the wall. After that she/ he will ask you to change into your bedtime clothes and fill out Bedtime Questionnaire. After you have completed the form, the tech will then measure and mark your head with a non-toxic washable pencil. This ensures proper placement of leads (or electrodes). Then, leads will be placed on your body to measure the items listed below. Keep in mind that none of the devices used are painful and no needles are involved.
PSG: A polysomnogram (or PSG) is a safe, painless test, which lasts all night and helps us determine the diagnosis of your sleep problem.
EEG (electroencephalograph): monitors brain waves to help determine your stage of sleep.
EOG (electrooculograph): monitors eye movements.
EMG (electromyograph): monitors limb movements and chin activity.
ECG (electrocardiograph): measures heart rate and rhythm.
Breathing from your nose and mouth will be monitored by a sensor called a thermocouple or pressure catheter.
Will I be able to sleep with all of those sensors on?
Yes, most people do. The sensors are applied so that you can move in your sleep, change your body positions while in bed and use the restroom.
After the initial evaluation, how often do I need follow-up with my treating physician?
As often as needed if you are experiencing problems with CPAP. Check with your treating physician. In general, assuming you are doing well with your CPAP, we recommend at least an annual check-up after the initial consultation and initial follow-up visit. During your annual follow-up, your treating physician can evaluate the efficacy of therapy, address any problems, and renew your prescriptions for your mask, tubing, filters and other supplies.
Why do I need treatment for sleep apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea has health consequences including the following:
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Unrefreshing sleep
Morning headaches or nausea
Problems with memory
High blood pressure
Heartburn
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Strokes
Depression
Loss of interest in sex/impotence
How often do I need a sleep study?
You need a CPAP titrations study if:
You have recurrence of your sleep apnea symptoms-daytime excessive somnolence, snoring, unrefreshing sleep
Weight gain or weight loss of > 10 pounds may signify the need for new pressure setting
Your machine needs replacement. Most insurance companies require a study within the past year to authorize a new machine.
How will I get the test results?
Our Sleep Specialist will interpret the test and send the results to your treating physician within 72 hours.
What is your cancellation policy?
There is a $100.00 charge for appointments that are canceled without 48-hour notice prior to your scheduled sleep study appointment. Please call us at (702) 818-2444 at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
