Why Should I Have a Sleep Study?
Sleep History
Pre-Sleep Study
Notice of Privacy Practices
Sleep Study Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Dreams Form
The Dreams Form is a short questionnaire intended to help recognize the symptoms of a possible sleep disorder. This can be helpful in diagnosing sleep disorders. Take this quick diagnostic quiz today. Share the results with your physician to learn what goes on when the lights go out and how to get "The Best Rest of Your Life!"Why Should I Have a Sleep Study?
Approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep problem. About 40 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorders, and an additional 20-30 million are affected by intermittent sleep-related problems. However, an overwhelming majority of sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated!Do you snore loudly, wake up exhausted and lack concentration or have interrupted sleep?
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, heart disease, heart burn, high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol?
OSA and other sleep disorders can lead to:
- Impotence
- Heart attack
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Gastric reflux
- Decreased pain tolerance
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Depression
What is my physician looking for during the test?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep disorder seen in the Sleep Center. Sleep apnea is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. OSA is a serious condition, which can cause an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke or even death, unless treated. Patients with OSA have a complete or partial obstruction of their airway during sleep causing loud snoring, drops in their blood oxygen levels, choking sensations and frequent brief awakenings from sleep.
When you stop breathing your blood oxygen level is reduced causing the brain to send an alarm signal and wake up from sleep. It as if you are being choked to death many times per hour. Many people with OSA do not even remember waking up during the night. Some people gasp, snort or snore loudly during the process. After waking briefly, the breathing returns to normal and the cycle continues.
Periodic limb movements (PLMS) during sleep are repetitive leg movements that occur while the patient is asleep. These movements typically occur in the legs but may also be seen in the arms. When severe, these leg movements can significantly disrupt sleep causing excessive daytime sleepiness.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder that keeps the patient from going to sleep. Approximately 12 million Americans have restless legs syndrome, a sleep and movement disorder characterized by unpleasant (tingling, crawling, creeping and/or pulling) feelings in the legs, which cause an urge to move in order to relieve the symptoms. Patients with RLS complain of uncomfortable sensations in their legs resulting in an urge to move their legs. Symptoms may be partially relieved by movement, such as walking or stretching.
There are over 90 documented sleep disorders, though many are rare and may never be seen in most sleep centers. Because these disorders occur during sleep, most people are unaware that they even have a problem.
What are the treatment options for these disorders?
OSA can be treated by sleeping with CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). CPAP helps to keep the airway from collapsing. There are surgical procedures that may help to eliminate OSA in some individuals. In mild to moderate cases of OSA, a dental appliance can be fabricated by a dentist to treat Sleep Apnea and snoring. Weight loss is recommended for those patients who are overweight or obese.
A sleep specialist can manage RLS and PLMS, and may prescribe medications.
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming sleep study, please do not hesitate to call the Sleep Center at 972-506-7800.
Sleep History
This is a form that asks about your medical history, sleeping habits, symptoms of any sleep disorder you may have, and allows you to explain your sleep problem.
Pre-Sleep Study
This form asks you about how you feel right before the sleep study, when you slept last, if you did anything during the day of testing that might influence the sleep study and allows you to note any special needs or concerns before the test begins.
Notice of Privacy Practices
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule gives individuals the right to be informed of the privacy practices of their health plans with respect to their personal health information. Health care providers distribute a notice that explains these rights and practices. The Privacy Rule provides that an individual has a right to adequate notice of how a health care provider may use and disclose protected health information about the individual.Sleep Study Instructions
Have you ever wondered what you need to bring to a sleep study? What should you do or not do on the day of your study? Find out what to expect during the sleep study process.