WHAT TO EXPECT – OVERNIGHT SLEEP EVALUATION
Thank you for choosing Sleep Diagnostics of America for your diagnostic testing and treatment needs. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Testingis scheduled by appointment. We can accommodate all sleep /work schedules by scheduling the test at a time you usually sleep (for shift workers, graveyard shifts, day sleepers etc..). This is one important way we are set apart from other centers. In addition to having great staff available to answer questions, we are also here to help you along this journey to improve the quality of sleep. We have met the high standards of care, quality assurance, and universal precautions to proudly be Joint Commission Accredited. We want you to feelconfident in our ability to provide you with excellence in care that you deserve. If you have a complaint or concern please do not hesitate to inform the Administrator, Casie Clennon at 281-218-6990 or email We take your concerns serious.
Once you arrive for your appt. the Sleep Tech will greet you. The Sleep Tech is a specially trained and knowledgeable professionalqualified to perform your sleep evaluation. The Sleep Techs have credentials in Sleep Medicine. The purpose for an overnight diagnostic sleep evaluation is to document several activities such as respiratory, neurological, cardiac and physical dysfunction that may be resulting in a poor quality sleep. This could be contributing to current medical conditions, or causing excessive daytime sleepiness. This is a diagnostic test and may not be a treatment for your problem. The test will give your physician the necessary information from monitoring the specific activities while you sleep.
In preparation for the sleep evaluation,the Tech. will attach monitoring electrodes to your skin using a special paste which will be dissolved after the test. Oxygen saturation is monitored by attaching a pulse oximeter to your finger. Each of these electrodes and/or monitoring devices retrieve data fromthe activities monitored (including your heart, breathing, oxygen in blood, brainwaves and movements). There is no pain involved in doing a sleep evaluation. We will also be able to determine if you have Sleep Apnea (cessation of breathing) when airway is obstructed (preventing some or all of the airflow from getting into lungs). All the data will be collected through highly advanced software. A Sleep Evaluationitself will not prevent you from sleeping however, it may take you a little longer to fall asleep.
You will have your own private room which features a queen size sleep number bed. If you need to get out of bed for any reason (to go to the restroom, or to get a drink)you will need to call the Tech. Before your test begins he/she will go over a series of bio-cals and explain how to call for assistance. Do not worry about bothering the Tech (many patients worry) but they are there to assist you. And please know that your test will not be compromised. We certainly do not want you to feel like you are inconveniencing us.
The Sleep Tech will be monitoring the data throughout the night from a control room, even though video is being recorded while you sleep, it is the Sleep Specialistwho might review it in order to complete the results. When you arrive for the appointment, the Sleep Tech. will go over all instructions and answer all questions you have. Remember, The Sleep Tech will assist you in getting out of bed. You will be awakened approximately 6-7 hours after the lights are turned out.
Once you have completed your sleep evaluation, the data will be reviewed and analyzed by the Board Certified Sleep Specialist as well as the Registered Sleep Technologist (RPSGT) specialized in scoring sleep studies. Once the Physician has completed the test results, the report is then forwarded to your ordering physician. The standard in Sleep Medicine for results can take up to 2 weeks, but generally we receive the results in less than 1 week
Some Physicians request their patientschedule a consult with them to discuss results. Other Physicians request that we contact their patient to coordinate treatment test – if applicable. If you have not heard from anyone regarding your test results, please contact our office at 281-218-6990 to obtain status. This letter gives some insight, but our staff will always prepare you ahead of time for what has been ordered, and before any procedures are completed.
If your first diagnostic sleep study is positive for obstructive sleep apnea, a second study will usually be required, which will be the same as the first test but using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). A mask will be fitted, and you will be guided in finding the style of mask that fits your needs the best. A small amount of air pressure will pass through a hose delivering just enough air to “splint open” your airway while you sleep,to treat apneic episodes. The Sleep Techwill adjust the air pressure while you sleep to determine the best air pressure to eliminate apneas. The sleep specialist will determine the best treatment for you. This is notpainful and you will most likely not even detect the airflow while you are asleep. We hope this was helpful. Please call if you have any questions. We are here for you.