Question:  How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?
The symptoms of sleep disorders vary among people and depend on the disorder in question. Some sleep disorders cause people to have trouble sleeping at night, others make people feel drowsy all day even though they slept all night.

You may have a sleep disorder if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• difficulty falling asleep
• awaking frequently with difficulty returning to sleep
• snoring loudly
• awaking to find yourself gasping for breath
• excessive sleepiness during the day
• twitching legs at night interfering with sleep
• walking or talking in your sleep
• being frequently awakened by nightmares

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Question: What are the various types of sleep disorders?
There are nearly 85 known sleep disorders. Below, you will find a brief description of several common sleep disorders. Keep in mind this is a partial list. If you experience any of the symptoms outlined above, contact your physician or a Sleep HealthCenters facility for a professional evaluation.

Insomnia - One in three American adults has trouble falling or staying asleep at night, or wakes up too early in the morning. This condition, known as insomnia, affects people of all ages, has many causes, and may lead to irritability, drowsiness or depression.

Sleep Apnea - While many adults snore at least occasionally, extremely loud, habitual snoring can be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. This condition is caused when air cannot get to the lungs intermittently during the night. People with this potentially life-threatening condition, actually stop breathing numerous times throughout the night. They also feel very sleepy during the day.

Narcolepsy - Narcolepsy is one of the less common sleep disorders, yet one of the more life-disrupting ones. People with narcolepsy have difficulty staying awake during the day and tend to fall asleep without warning. Strong emotional experiences, such as anger or surprise, may be accompanied by muscle weakness. Other possible symptoms may include a sense of paralysis or hallucinations when falling asleep or awakening.

Restless Legs Syndrome - People with this syndrome experience restlessness in their legs or arms, particularly in the evening or when resting. In addition, they may experience an uncomfortable "crawling" sensation in their legs, or less commonly in their arms, which often causes them to have difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Other sleep disorders include: sleepwalking, night terrors, teeth grinding, bed-wetting, and others.

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Question: What causes sleep disorders?
The causes of sleep disorders are numerous, and range from environmental factors such as stress, noise, light, or an irregular sleep schedule, to medical factors such as anxiety, depression, menopause, excessive weight, age, pregnancy, central nervous system malfunction, or genetics. In some cases, alcohol, caffeine and other drugs can cause or contribute to a sleep disorder.

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Question: How can Sleep HealthCenters help?
With knowledge and understanding. The medical professionals at Sleep HealthCenters understand that many of you are suffering from fatigue and frustration; that you are tired of being tired, eager to find a cure, and ready to regain your quality of life. Our staff understands this because every day, they successfully diagnose and treat people just like you.

Our sleep specialists will work with you to fully assess your symptoms, determine the underlying causes, develop a personalized treatment program, and provide follow-up services that assist you with therapy compliance and ensure your overall satisfaction.

Our care begins with a comprehensive interview and review of your medical history. This information will allow us to determine if sleep monitoring is needed to provide a more precise clinical picture of the underlying causes of your symptoms.

If sleep monitoring is indicated, you may be asked to spend a night sleeping in the home-like atmosphere of one of our sleep centers. Many aspects of your sleep will be monitored. Your test results will be analyzed, then reviewed by the physician in charge of the sleep center. A report containing your diagnosis and treatment recommendations will be sent to your primary physician.

Our network of conveniently located sleep centers is staffed by a team of experts in the field of sleep medicine, and supported by board-certified sleep specialists in the areas of pulmonology, neurology, otolaryngology, psychology, dentistry, psychiatry, and others. We are affiliated with world renowned medical and teaching hospitals, possess the most up-­to-date information on sleep disorders, and use the most current technologies available to diagnose and treat those disorders.

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Question: What treatments are available?
For some, treatment may mean adopting new bedtime routines, administering light therapy or learning to use relaxation techniques. For others, treatment may involve medications or the nighttime use of one of several dental or ventilation devices to improve breathing. For all patients, the competent and caring Sleep HealthCenters staff is available to assist with personalized treatment and follow-up support.

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Question: How can I contact the Sleep HealthCenters facility nearest me?
Contact us directly at 1-877-SLEEPHC (1-877-753-3742) or ask your primary care physician for a referral.

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Question: Are Sleep HealthCenters services covered by insurance?
Sleep HealthCenters services are covered by most health plans including Medicare and Medicaid, and virtually all managed care organizations. The coverage criteria of each organization is fully understood by our sleep counselors, who will coordinate your care and communicate directly with your primary care physician and insurance provider.  If you have questions about your insurance, you can contact our Reimbursement and Billing Department directly at 978-774-7243 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST).

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What do I have to know before the study?

Question:  What is a sleep study?
For most patients, a sleep study is a key diagnostic component of a sleep disorder evaluation. A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram (PSG), measures your brain wave activity, eye movements, muscle contractions, heart activity, breathing and blood oxygenation during sleep.

If you wear nail polish we might have to remove it from at least one finger to obtain a good signal from the finger clip oxygen sensor.

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What do I have to know about the day of the study?

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What happens during the study?

Question:  What happens when I arrive at the sleep center?

The study usually begins in the late evening and ends about 6:00 AM. Once you arrive at the center, a sleep technologist will welcome you and show you to your private bedroom. The technologist will ask you to fill out some forms and answer any questions you may have. As part of your orientation, you will watch a video that will explain the process.

Question:  How do I get ready for the study?

After you change into your sleepwear, the sleep technologist will place a number of non-painful sensors (also called electrodes) on your head, chest area and legs. The areas where the sensors will be attached are cleaned and the electrodes are attached with special gels and paste. (The gels and paste are harmless, however, if you have sensitive skin, please alert your sleep technologist prior to attaching the electrodes.) Elastic belts with sensors will be placed around your chest and abdomen. Airflow sensors will be placed under your nose and a finger clip will be applied to monitor your oxygen levels. All of the sensors will be connected to a small portable box that transmits signals to the sleep monitoring and recording equipment that is in a near-by control room.

Question:  Will I be able to sleep with so many things attached to me?

You may find it a bit strange at first, but most people do not find it uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. We will make every effort to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. If a problem arises, your sleep technologist will make adjustments. Every bedroom has an open intercom that will enable you to communicate with your technologist at any time.

Question:  Will I be treated for my sleep disorder while I’m there?

For certain patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the sleep study may include the beginning of a treatment called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). After you are asleep for a period of time, the sleep technologist will be able to determine if you have evidence of OSA. If you have evidence of OSA, CPAP treatment may be started during the night. During your orientation, this will be thoroughly reviewed, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions.

Question:  What if I need to go to the bathroom during the study?

If you need to use the bathroom during the night, you can call your sleep technologist on the intercom for assistance. They will temporarily disconnect you from the sleep monitoring equipment.

Question:  What happens while I’m sleeping?

The lab is a busy place and there will be other patients being monitored during the same evening. The sleep technologists remain awake in the control room throughout the night analyzing the information being collected while you sleep.

Question:  When will l wake up?

If you are not already awake, you will be awakened between 5:30 AM and 6:15 AM.

Question:  Does the sleep center provide breakfast?

Each center is equipped with a kitchen and we provide a light, complimentary breakfast. Selections at each center vary, but may include breakfast bars or oatmeal, coffee and juices. You are welcome to use the kitchen or ask your sleep technologist for assistance.

Question:  When can I leave the sleep center?

You should plan to add an additional 30 minutes to your usual morning preparation time to allow us to remove the electrodes. You may take a shower to wash your hair to remove the gels and paste used to attach the electrodes. If you have long or thick hair, it may take longer to remove the paste. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, please let us know when you arrive in the center so we can accommodate your request. If you have arranged for a ride, they will need to pick you up by 7:00 AM.

Question:  What happens if I am scheduled for a nap study?
Your doctor may have ordered an additional test called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) as part of your overall evaluation. This means that you will need to stay at the center for most of the following day for a series of brief naps. The naps are scheduled throughout the day. Please bring reading materials, puzzles or other entertainment items that will help you pass the time.

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What do I have to know after the study?

Question:  What happens after my sleep study?

A large amount of information is collected during your sleep study. A sleep specialist will analyze this information and a formal report with recommendations will be sent to your doctor. On the night of the study, the sleep technologists cannot provide you with any information about your testing results.

Question:  When will my doctor receive my results?

It usually takes two weeks for your doctor to receive your formal report. Please schedule a follow-up visit with your physician after that time to discuss the findings and recommendations for treatment. If you have seen one of our specialists, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.

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