Diagnosis

To seek a diagnosis, start by talking to your primary care physician (PCP). Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders may be recommended. The next step may be undergoing a sleep study which can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.

Here are answers to common questions about having a sleep study:

Q. What is a sleep study?
A sleep study is a safe, painless and simple evaluation of how your body functions during sleep. The data from your sleep study is later reviewed by a board certified sleep physician. The clinical term for a sleep study is polysomnogram (PSG).

Q. Where are sleep studies held?
Most sleep studies are performed at a facility called a sleep center or sleep lab. Some of these may be situated within a hospital or clinic in the community. However, some sleep studies can be performed in your home, or where you normally sleep, using a portable testing device. A sleep clinician would train you on how to use and return the device. You can ask your doctor or sleep clinician if you qualify for a portable sleep study.

Q. How long will a sleep study take?
The study is performed while you sleep and can take approximately six to eight hours. If you have your sleep study at a sleep lab, you will be scheduled to arrive probably around 8 pm and leave at about 6 am or 7 am the next morning.

Q. What is being monitored while I sleep?
Sensors will be attached to various parts of your body to measure the activities of your brain, heart, lungs and certain muscles during sleep. The information provides important feedback that is interpreted by a sleep specialist and given to your doctor.

Q. What will I feel/does it hurt?
The process is painless. You may feel the sensation of a sensor being removed, which is similar to having a bandage taken off.

Q. Will I be able to go to work the next day?
Yes. You will get a regular night’s sleep and if your study is done in a sleep lab, you will be out of the lab by 6 or 7 am and able to function for work. Many sleep centers have shower facilities and kitchen areas for breakfast. Inquire ahead of time if you are interested.

Q. How long will it take to get my results?
The results are typically available within two weeks. With a properly designed OSA awareness program, like our Sleep Well, Drive Safe, the study results can be available within 48 hours, if not sooner, following conclusion of the study. In some instances, the driver can be prescribed appropriate therapy, if needed, be provided with a CPAP device and resume driving a day after the study.

The study results will be sent to your physician who prescribed the study. He or she will contact you to review the results and discuss whether a diagnosis has been made and if therapy is needed. If the physician feels that a sleep therapy device should be prescribed, another sleep study may be scheduled so data can be collected while sleeping with the device. Alternatively, an auto-CPAP device can be prescribed for you to use so that the proper treatment can be determined while you are on therapy.

Q. Will my insurance cover my sleep study?
Sleep studies are covered by most insurance plans. You should have your insurance information available when your sleep study appointment is scheduled.

For more information on sleep studies click here to view our Sleep Study Brochure.