Why do I need a Sleep Study?

An overnight Sleep Study is a painless and very important test to diagnose disorders related to sleep, such as stop breathing in sleep, snoring, awakenings or difficulties falling back to sleep, heart irregularities, muscle pain, bad dreams, unusual behavior in your sleep and many other (there are 83 sleep disorders identified). A Sleep Study is crucial in helping to develop the right treatment.

What is a Sleep Study?

The all-night sleep study (Polysomnography test from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am, the next day) is a non-invasive recording of multiple body functions during sleep, POLY means many, SOMNO means sleep and GRAPHY means recording). The Polysomnography will recode your brain waves patterns (EEG), muscle movements and movement of your eyes, the amount of oxygen, nose, mouth, and abdominal breathing. Your leg movements and your heart rate during sleep/ the functions are analyzed separately and in there interactions.

What is CPAP Titration?

For patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome (stop breathing in sleep), CPAP is the best treatment. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.  The CPAP machine consists of a machine with a humidifier, which produces air that flows through a mask into the nose with a specified pressure.  Titration means careful and precise measurement of the necessary pressure.

What if I have been using CPAP for several years and I start feeling tired again or start snoring again, what should I do?

You should call your sleep specialist and let them know.  Regular yearly check-ups are important to help identify these kinds of issues before they become a problem.  CPAP supplies are medical devices that require prescriptions, just like medications, which will be renewed during your yearly check-up. 

What is an MSLT?

For people who have excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue, a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a necessity.  This test objectively measures the level of sleepiness and is performed in the morning, usually following the Sleep Study.  The MSLT consists of four to five 20 minute naps followed by periods of alertness.

Before the Sleep Study

The day before your test, our staff will call you to confirm your appointment and ask if you have any additional questions.  Note: We ask that you contact our office at least 24 hours prior to the test if you need to cancel or reschedule.

What to bring with you for your Sleep Study

*Insurance card(s).

*A list of your medications.
*Toothbrush, toothpaste, slippers and socks.
*Please no hair spray or gel prior to the test.
*Ladies, please no heavy make-up, nail polish or artificial nails.
*Gentlemen, please try to shave your face before the test.  It will be easier to attach the   

  electrodes and provide more accurate recordings.

* You should bring items that will make you feel more comfortable such as favorite pillow or       blanket. Two piece pajamas or tee shirt and shorts to sleep in. Any medications you need to take before bed, during the night, or first thing in the morning. If you need to take medications before bed or during the night, please let you technician know. If you need to check your blood sugar or take insulin, please be sure to bring any supplies needed. We do have bottled water, but if you require snacks during your stay you will need to provide them. We do have a refrigerator and microwave should these items be required. We do have shower facilities available with shampoo and body wash; however you are welcome to bring toiletries to get ready for your day. 

What should I wear to sleep in?

Due to having a mixed gender staff we require patients to have a top and bottom to sleep in.  The belts that are placed around the chest and abdomen also can rub against bare skin and slip less when placed over a shirt.  Most patients choose to sleep in a Tee shirt and pajama bottoms, or shorts.  Silky nightwear is not recommended because there can be too much static electricity buildup with silk.

Why do I need to bring a list of my current medications?

Prescribed, over-the-counter medications and recreational or street drugs can disrupt sleep and affect the outcome of a sleep study. Some medications cause drowsiness or other side effects that prevent a good night’s sleep.  It is important that you communicate all medications/drugs that you take, regardless of the source, as this can affect how our medical staff treats your sleep disorder.  If you are not truthful in disclosing medications, the sleep specialist may prescribe medications that can be dangerous if mixed with other substances or may result in the provider refusing to refill medication prescriptions. 

When you arrive for the test:

Inform the technician if you have any special needs, medical conditions, allergies, diabetes, asthma, etc.  Inform the technician about your preferable bedtime and wake time.  We request that people arrive at 8:45 pm because some people need a little more time to get ready for bed.  We provide TV in each room to help you relax before being prepared for your study.  The technicians start waking patients up at 6:00 am.  If you do require an earlier wake up time, please let the technician know when you are being prepared for your study. 

Should I take my medication before my sleep study?

During your initial consultation your sleep specialist will go over your medications with you.  At that time they will instruct you to stop your medication if needed.  Only under certain circumstances will you need to discontinue your medication prior to your sleep study. If you need to take medication while you are in the sleep lab, please notify your sleep technician so that the medication can be documented for the reviewing sleep specialist. 

Will you give me medication if I can't sleep?

Typically, no sleeping pills will be given to you.  We have found that people don’t have difficulty falling asleep during their sleep study. If you are concerned about being able to fall asleep during your sleep study, make sure you speak with the Doctor during your consultation appointment. 

What should I do if I take a sleep aide for my sleep study and I wake up the next morning feeling groggy?

The medication given to patients usually does not have a carry-over effect, however everyone may react differently.  Be sure and tell your technician if you feel groggy in the morning because you should not leave the sleep center until you feel fully awake.  If you feel groggy and do not stay, you may be asked to sign a Leave Against Medical Advice form. 

During the Sleep Study

Most patients get adjusted to the sensors and wires easily.  You will be able to move around in sleep and adjust your sleeping position.  In the morning all electrodes will be removed.  You will have an opportunity to comment on the technician and other issues of the study by completing the morning report form.

What if I need to go to the bathroom while I’m hooked up to all those wires?

This is actually a very easy task.  Because all of the wires which are attached to you are plugged into a portable jack box, all you need to do is say that you need to go to the bathroom in a normal speaking voice.  The technician will hear you and come in and unplug the jack box and you are then free to get up. Please do not attempt to get out of bed without assistance as you may injure yourself or our equipment.  If the technician doesn’t answer right away, it may be that they are in another room assisting another patient.  Please be patient, wait a moment, and then ask again.

Why can’t my night technician tell me about my study?

Our policy here at the Sleep and Behavior Medicine Institute requires that the sleep disorders specialist review all studies. The sleep study and its analysis and interpretation are part of a complex process.  Many hours of work are required by specially trained professionals in order to fully understand the significant amount of data gathered from you during the night.  Your sleep technologist will begin to process or “score” the large amount of data recorded during the night. A sleep specialist with special knowledge of sleep and its disorders then interprets the information to come up with a final diagnosis.  Because the night technician may not be aware of your medical history, they are not qualified to make detailed comments on your study.  Some information about your sleep study cannot be revealed because there are questions that are asked about your sleep on your Morning Questionnaire.  Some sleep disorders effect the perception of sleep and by giving you the answers, the questionnaire would not be a good means to help the sleep specialist diagnose and treat you. 

When will my referring doctor get the results?

Your doctor will receive the results of the Sleep Study, interpretations and recommendations, within 5-7 business days by fax.  We encourage you to contact your Doctor for a follow-up appointment or schedule a follow-up visit with our staff Physician to go over the finding of the study.

Will my insurance cover the Sleep Study?

All insurance companies, including Medicare, cover sleep studies.  (Note: If you have an HMO, you must get a referral from your primary care physician.)  Financial arrangements are available.

Other questions you may have

* We understand that in some circumstances our patients need to be accompanied by a family member or a friend.  Arrangements should be made with our personnel prior to your Sleep Study.
* You will not be alone, as our technicians stay awake all night to make sure you are safe and to monitor your sleep.
* Washrooms are located in close proximity to the bedrooms, there is cable TV in each room and there is a refrigerator available for your use.

When and where to come:
You need to be at the sleep center at 8:45

The Skokie site of the Sleep and Behavior Medicine Institute is located at 9700 North Kenton Ave, Suite K-205, just east of the Old Orchard Shopping Center on the campus of Rush North Shore Medical center.
The Vernon Hills site of the Sleep and Behavior Medicine Institute is located at 565 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 105, in the Physicians Center at Vernon Hills, south of Townline Road (Rt. 60) and west of Milwaukee Ave. via Executive Parkway.