Patient Information – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is a Polysomnogram (PSG)?
What sensors are applied during a sleep test?
Is a sleep test painful?
Who will be present at the sleep center while I am sleeping?
Will the recording procedure disrupt my sleep?
Will I be given a sleeping medication?
What happens to my sleep recordings after the test is completed?
Can I shower at the sleep center before I leave?
Why is your Patient Information/Sleep Questionnaire Packet so
long?
What should I do on the day of the test?
What should I bring to my sleep test?
What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
How can I treat my snoring problem or Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA)?
How severe is my Sleep Apnea?
What is a Polysomnogram (PSG)?
A Polysomnogram (PSG) is sleep study in which a continuous monitoring and
recording of selected body functions during sleep. The test also records brain
waves, eye movements, and various muscle activities, which together determine
the various sleep stages. Heart rate/rhythm, sleep movements, and snoring
sounds are also monitored and recorded. For a possible Sleep Apnea, we also
record breathing pattern and the blood oxygen level. Additional measurements
can be performed in patients with other suspected sleep disorders.
What sensors are applied during a sleep test?
Most of the sensors/electrodes are small, gold plated disks that are applied
to the scalp and skin. Blood oxygen level is monitored using a small, lightweight,
cushioned plastic clip that is kept on a finger or applied to an ear lobe.
Respiration is closely monitored by using a thin, plastic sensor that is placed
between the nose and the upper lip. Breathing effort is recorded using belts
placed around the chest and abdomen.
Is a sleep test painful?
No. Patient with sensitive skin may notice mild skin irritation from electrode
paste or adhesive that we use; however, a sleep study is not an “invasive”
procedure. We use no needles during the procedure.
Who will be present at the sleep center
while I am sleeping?
While our patients sleep in a private room, a trained Sleep Technologist will
monitor their sleep testing progress from a nearby Control Room. Our Sleep
Technologists have the responsibility of making our patients’ test experience
with us as comfortable and safe as possible while obtaining a high-quality
sleep recording.
Will the recording procedure disrupt
my sleep?
Although our patients may sleep in different positions at home, our Sleep
Technologist will ask them to sleep on their back most of the time throughout
the test. In addition, most patients find the sensors to be somewhat bothersome
and awkward. We realize that our patients’ sleep experience at a sleep
center will not be as comfortable as it is at home. For this reason, when
we score and interpret the sleep study result, we take into account any disruptive
effects of sleeping at the sleep center.
Will I be given a sleeping medication?
No. If a patient has a significant Insomnia at home, his/her referring physician
may order a medication to improve sleep at the sleep center. Since these medications
may affect other aspects of the test, such as various sleep stages and breathing,
the referring physician has to take these factors in to consideration against
the possibility that the patient may not sleep as well without the sleeping
medication. PLEASE REVIEW ANY CHANGES IN MEDICATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN PRIOR
TO TAKING ANY ACTION.
What happens to my sleep recordings
after the test is completed?
A board-certified Sleep Technologist will review the test data the next morning,
and one of our sleep specialist physicians will perform the final evaluation
of the test. A detailed test result report will be sent to the referring physician’s
office via fax and mail within two (2) to three (3) business days after the
test. The patient should then make a follow-up appointment with the referring
physician to discuss test results and review the possible treatment options.
At that time, the referring physician may also request another sleep test
and/or request the patient to schedule a formal consultation with one of our
sleep specialist physicians for further care.
Can I shower at the sleep center before
I leave?
Yes. With an exception of a few, most of our sleep centers are equipped with
shower facilities.
Why is your Patient Information/Sleep
Questionnaire Packet so long?
Our Sleep Technologists and physicians review the completed questionnaires
before, during, and after the test. Our physicians interpret/evaluate the
test results in light of the answers to the questionnaire to better address
concerns of the patient and the referring physician. For similar reasons,
whenever possible, we ask our patients to bring a copy of the report for any
other sleep test(s) they may have had in the past.
What should I do on the day of the
test?
Since the sensors and electrodes are placed on the skin and scalp, we ask
that all patients shower and shampoo their hair before arriving to the sleep
center. Please do not apply oil, hair spray or heavy conditioners on the hair.
For an overnight sleep study, we usually ask our patients to remain awake
all day on the day of the test and avoid taking any naps on the day of the
test. Please eat the evening meal /dinner before arriving to the sleep center.
What should I bring to my sleep
test?
Use the following checklist to assemble the items that will be needed for
your overnight sleep test. We provide all bedding-related items including
sheets/linens, blankets, and pillows.
• A lightweight, cotton nightgown, pajamas or any comfortable sleepwear
of your you choice, preferably with a button down front
• Please feel free to bring a favorite pillow, blanket, etc. (yes, teddy
bears are allowed!)
• Toiletries: comb, hairbrush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and
shaving materials
• Clothes for the next day
• Any medications needed (our Sleep Technologists cannot supply or administer
medications)
• A list of all medications taken (during the two (2) weeks prior to
the test)
• Do not consume any food or beverages containing caffeine or alcohol
within four (4) hours prior to the scheduled appointment
• A book, magazine or any other reading materials of your choice
• Completed Patient Information/Questionnaire Packet
• Insurance card(s)
• Insurance Referral (if required)
• Physician’s Order/Prescription
• Drivers License or Photo ID
If the patient feels excessively sleepy or drowsy on the night of the test,
a family member or a friend should drive him/her to and from the sleep center.
If this is not possible, a taxi cab or other public transportation(s) should
be used.
What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA)?
During sleep the muscles located at the back of the throat relax. In some
people, these muscles relax to the point that the wall of the throat collapses;
therefore, as they try to breathe, air cannot get in. Eventually, the effort
of breathing wakes them up for a short period of time, and this may happen
repeatedly throughout sleep, more than 100 times per hour (or hundreds of
times each night). These people are often not aware of waking-up frequently
to breathe, but even the mildest form of OSA can cause daytime sleepiness,
poor memory and concentration, and depression.
How can I treat my snoring problem or Obstructive Sleep Apnea
(OSA)?
Please click here.
How severe is my Sleep Apnea?
To diagnose the severity of breathing problems during sleep from the mild
end, called “primary snoring,” to severe Sleep Apnea, the main
factor we rely on is the total number of times per hour that a patient’s
brain waves show a brief arousals to breathe. This number is referred to as
the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) or the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI).
| <<< Mild | Severe >>> | ||
| Primary Snoring RDI < 5 per hr |
Mild Sleep Apnea RDI = 5-15 per hr |
Moderate Sleep Apnea RDI = 15-30 per hr |
Severe Sleep Apnea RDI > 30 per hr |