What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are events that prevent the body from receiving adequate night’s sleep. These events may be defined as obstructive sleep apnea or cessation of breathing during sleep, frequent awakenings at night, difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, restless leg syndrome, parasomnias such as sleep walking, sleep talking, sleep eating and REM behavior disorders or night terrors. Other disorders may include narcolepsy and insomnia.
What are the signs of sleep disorders?
Snoring is the most frequent sign for obstructive sleep apnea. Others may include daytime sleepiness, fatigue, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive movement during sleep, morning headache and dry mouth and waking not feeling rested.
What is the treatment for sleep disorders?
Depending on which disorder you are diagnosed with, treatment options vary. For obstructive sleep apnea, the most common treatment is generally the use of a CPAP or BiPAP machine. For other diagnosis, it may be a combination of prescribed medication and better sleep hygiene.
What is CPAP or BiPAP?
CPAP is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This mechanism uses a single pressure to help hold the airway open when we sleep. BiPAP use 2 different pressures. One pressure is set for the inhalation side of a breath and the second pressure is used on the exhalation.
How do I get evaluated for a sleep disorder?
You may be referred by your physician or you may self refer. If your physician refers you to our Sleep Disorders Center, they will send us a referral form with your information on it. If you do not have a physician, you may self refer by calling directly and we will set up an appointment with one of our sleep physicians. Some insurance require a referral first so you will need to check with your insurance company prior to calling. If you were referred by a physician, we will then contact you to set up an appointment.
What happens during an evaluation?
We will send you a packet of information to be completed before your appointment, including your health history, and some information for you to read. On the day of your appointment, bring this information with you. You will then be seen by our sleep physician and evaluated. Measurements will be taken, such as blood pressure, neck circumference and body mass index, along with height and weight. After the evaluation is complete and it is determined that you will need a sleep study, we will schedule the study before you leave.
What happens on the night of the study?
We ask that you arrive around 7:30 pm (exceptions can be made with prior notice). Your room will be assigned based on your needs or request. The technician will introduce themselves and allow you to get settled before the hook-up begins. The hook-up consists of wires being placed strategically on your legs, chest and head. This allows us to monitor leg movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygenation and brain waves. On treatment nights, we introduce CPAP/BiPAP masks in addition to the other wires. This data is collected and compiled for physician interpretation.
How long will this take?
The study is ideally done in 2 nights. The first night is a diagnostic night where we will determine if you have a disorder. The second night is for treatment if a disorder is confirmed. Nights can be scheduled back to back or separated based on your schedule. We operate Saturday through Thursday so scheduling can be done at your convenience. If you are traveling from a great distance, arrangements can be made in advance.
What happens next?
Once you have been diagnosed and treatment has been determined, we will follow-up with you. Most often people requiring CPAP or BiPAP will hear from us within 7 days. This allows the study to be scored, interpreted by your sleep physician, reports transcribed and prescriptions written. We will contact you about which DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider will be handling your machine or which dealer you would prefer to use. Some insurance companies dictate who your provider will be. If you have any questions about this, you may always call the Sleep Disorders Center.
Will follow up be necessary?
Yes. You should stay in contact with the Sleep Disorders Center and sleep physician. If you have any problems or changes in your sleeping habits, it is best to address this immediately and not wait. As you lose or gain weight, changes in pressure may be necessary or other masks or devises may need to be ordered.
