Sleep Disorders Institute |
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THE SLEEP PROCESS STUDY
Our ADMINISTRATIVE Staff will complete your registration for a SLEEP CONSULTATION
Our Administrative Assistant will schedule you for a consultation with our medical board certified medical specialists. We will be able to assist with referral and other authorizations.
THE SLEEP CONSULTATION
The Providence Hospital Sleep Disorders Institute uses a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from a variety of sleep disorders. Our qualified medical staff will provide you with a medical consultation and evaluate your need for sleep studies.
After the medical consultation and evaluation, a polysomnogram may be required. A polysomnogram is also referred to as a Sleep Study or PSG. An overnight stay is required to perform this test. This study is necessary for evaluation of physical factors affecting sleep, Restless Leg Syndrome, (RLS), Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
WHAT IS A SLEEP STUDY ?
THE POLYSOMNOGRAPH (PSG)
A Sleep Study or Polysomnograph (PSG) is a multiple component test which electronically transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep. The recordings become data, which are interpreted by our qualified medical staff to determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder.
The Polysomonogram measure several variables. The data is collected through the use of obtaining information from sensors. Each sensor plays an important part in diagnosing any sleep disorder you may have. They are all non-invasive so there is no pain involved.
Measuring your airflow
A sensor will be placed on your upper lip to monitor the airflow through your nose and mouth. During periods of sleep apnea the reading becomes flat because there is no air passing over the sensor.
Measuring your breathing effort
Your breathing effort is measured with two elastic belts that fit around your chest and abdomen. These belts record the movement of each area as you breathe.
Measuring your oxygen level
An oximeter is used to monitor your blood oxygen level throughout the night. This device will either clip on or be taped on the outside of one finger.
Measuring your heart rate
Two or three electrodes are attached to your chest area to monitor your heart rate and rhythm which may show abnormalities during sleep.
Measuring your brain waves
In order to determine your stage of sleep throughout the night we record your brain waves with four wires attached to the top and back of your scalp. These sensors may show a correlation between your stage of sleep and breathing abnormalities.
Measuring your eye movements
One or two sensors will be placed near your eyes to record rapid eye movements (REM) during sleep. The REM stage of sleep is associated with dreaming and deep sleep.
Measuring muscle tone
Electrodes attached to your chin measure muscle tone which helps determine your stage of sleep.
Measuring body position and snoring
These two measurements are usually monitored by the technician who notes which side you're sleeping on and the level of any snoring.
YOUR RESULTS
Your sleep study will be "scored" to determine many things about your nights sleep. Once this is complete a physician will review the sleep study and give his/her interpretation.
If there is a diagnosis of sleep apnea your doctor may want to try CPAP as a treatment. CPAP has been proven to be highly successful in treating sleep apnea.
If our medical staff makes a recommendation for you to have additional testing for the use of CPAP, you will be scheduled for CPAP clinic.
Our expert staff will fit you to the most comfortable and appropriate devise for CPAP delivery. Our staff of qualified Polysomnographic Technologists and Respiratory Therapists will provide you with an appropriate devise prior to your CPAP titration Study.
CPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and a CPAP machine is the device that delivers the air pressure. In order for you to use CPAP, we have to perform another sleep study to determine the air pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep.
Basically, we put all the sensors back on and fit you with a CPAP mask which is worn over your nose. Air travels through the mask and into your upper airway preventing your airway from collapsing while you sleep.
The air pressure is started at its' lowest setting and once you're asleep the pressure is increased if you have any apnea events. This continues until your apnea events are eliminated.
After this second sleep study We'll arrange to have a CPAP machine set up for you. Then you'll use it every night and if you travel you'll take it with you. The great news is that people with sleep apnea who use CPAP begin regaining their energy and are much less sleepy almost immediately after beginning treatment.
