Sleep Medicine

Overnight Sleep Studies

We accommodate overnight sleep studies in a comfortable, relaxing environment. While you rest, sleep specialists monitor a variety of factors including heart activity, breathing, body movements, and sleep patterns to diagnose what may be interrupting normal sleep cycles. We commonly diagnose insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and seizures.

Once a diagnosis is made, our board certified specialists work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. For those having a sleep study and/or those receiving CPAP treatment, here are our Sleep Lab FAQs.

Our sleep apnea support group meets the third Tuesday of every month. Our free sessions are 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at our Sleep Medicine location (Broughton Medical Campus). For more information about our support group, please call (740) 568-5310.

Below are several frequently asked questions for those having a sleep study and/or those receiving CPAP treatment:

What do I need to bring to my sleep study?

Please bring the following items with you the day of your sleep study:

• Any medications that you need to take; if you are diabetic bring your glucometer
• Be sure that your hair and skin are to be free of lotion, gel, hairspray, or makeup
• List of your medications
• Loose fitting clothing, preferably 2-piece pajamas

What are you monitoring during my study?

During your sleep study we monitor the following things:

• Brain waves
• Breathing problems
• Heart rate
• Leg movement
• Oxygen levels

What happens during my sleep study?

A technician will greet you upon arrival. You will be asked to fill out a few questionnaires. You will have several sensors attached to your body to help the technician observe you during the night. Don’t worry, you may get up at any time to use the restroom.

What if I can’t sleep?

It may seem impossible to sleep with sensors attached to you, but most everyone sleeps enough to facilitate a diagnosis.

What happens after my test?

The technician will remove all the sensors in the morning. You may shower at the lab if you wish. Your sleep physician will review the entire sleep test and contact you with the results of your sleep study. You will be ready to leave around 6:15 a.m.

How do you treat sleep apnea?

There are multiple treatment options including CPAP/BiPAP, oral appliances, conservative management, as well as surgical options. We will work with you to find the correct treatment plan.

Are there different types of PAP Therapy?

Yes. There are a few different types of PAP therapy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provides a constant pressure during the night. Most patients will utilize this type of therapy. Patients that are unable to tolerate CPAP may try bi-level positive airway pressure, which provides alternating pressures throughout the night and will benefit patients in need of higher pressures.

What is CPAP?

Studies have shown that PAP therapy helps people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) live longer. PAP therapy provides air pressure to you through a mask that you wear while you’re sleeping. This air pressure holds open the airway to allow you to sleep without airway blockage. Don’t be discouraged if you do not feel the results right away. It can take several weeks to feel the full benefits. If after a month you still are not feeling the benefits, talk to your provider at your follow-up appointment to discuss possible causes.

What are the benefits of PAP Therapy?

• Gives you more energy
• Helps blood pressure
• Improves memory
• Improves your mood
• Reduces daytime sleepiness

What if I can’t tolerate the mask?

We have several masks to choose from, your technician will help you with this. You will need a mask that is comfortable, yet seals properly. We understand that wearing a mask to sleep can be challenging on some people. Different styles of masks include ones that cover just the nose and mouth, as well as ones that just sit inside the nose. Wearing a mask can take some adjustment, but it will get easier with time.