Study Information

It is important that you read these instructions in their entirety in order to ensure the testing is done accurately. PLEASE call (702) 990-7660 in Las Vegas or (775) 851-8282 in Reno with any questions regarding your study. All paperwork needs to be filled out before you arrive to ensure the night runs in smooth and timely manner.

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by temporary breathing interruptions during sleep. The pauses in breathing can occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. Symptoms include loud snoring and a gasping or snorting sound when the sleeping individual starts to breathe again. Although the individual may not be aware of having sleep apnea, the condition can disrupt the quality of sleep and result in daytime fatigue. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the tongue or other soft tissue blocks the airway. Treatments include breathing devices that helps keep the airway open during sleep, and surgery that reduces the amount of soft tissue near the airway.

A Polysomnogram (PSG) is a diagnostic recording of physical activities that occur while you are sleeping. This recording is done using electrodes and sensors. These devices allow the technician to gather necessary data. The sleep test will measure the amount of sleep and the quality of sleep. The electrodes will be pasted and secured to the body and will remain on for the entire night. You will be able to get up to use the restroom during the study if needed. 

DO:

1. DO bring a caregiver for you if you need special assistance for your study. We are not a skilled nursing facility and our technician’s primary function is to acquire data and do not do extensive patient care. Special needs would include help getting dressed, help getting into bed, help getting out of bed, help to and from the restroom, and help off the commode. Please plan your caregiver to stay the entire night. You may call our facility at (775)851-8282 (Reno), or (702)990-7660 (Las Vegas) to ensure your caregiver has a place to sleep for the night.
2. DO bring comfortable sleepwear. Please do not wear satin or silky materials. Youwill have a respiratory belt put on your abdomen to monitor your breathing and they will slip and slide and will not stay in position on these materials. Two – piece pajamas or shorts and a t-shirt are preferred. ALL patents must wear sleep
   clothes. Patient will not be permitted to just sleep in their undergarments. There will be other patients at the facility and you must stay dress appropriately for the entire stay.
3. DO bring all bedtime medications that need to be taken with you. If you have a sleep aid, such as Ambien or Lunesta, or if your doctor asked you to take one, the technician will instruct you as to when it is a good time to take the sleep aid. Many times people are concerned about whether or not they’ll fall asleep.  Almost everyone does, but you’re welcome to bring a sleep aid.
4. DO shower or bathe on the day of the study. Excess oils on the skin will prevent the adhesive from sticking to the skin. Hairsprays, gels and conditioner will also keep the electrodes from sticking to the scalp.
   Please make sure that your hair is dry upon arrival to the lab.

DO NOT:

1. DO NOT wear make-up, hairspray, gel, mousse, nail polish, or apply lotions to the skin. They will interfere with the study.
2. DO NOT wear anything that is made of silk or rayon.
3. DO NOT use alcohol or any other controlled substances before your study unless  instructed to do so by your technician.

Every patient gets their own room.  We provide pillows, blankets, sheets and full size, as well as queen sized, beds for your comfort. You may be more comfortable with your own pillows and sleep materials and we welcome you to do so. You are welcome to bring other personal toiletry items that you may need. We recommend showering after you get home. 

ABOUT THE STUDY:  electrodes will be pasted on your head.  These will monitor your brain waves and tell us what stage of sleep you’re in.  There will be an electrode by each eye.  These monitor eye movements that occur during REM sleep.  There will also be one on your chin.  This is to determine if the patient has Bruxism, or teeth grinding, during sleep.  There will also be electrodes on your chest.  This is to monitor your heart rhythm.  There will be an electrode on each leg, which determines if the patient has a disorder called PLM’s, or if awake, Restless Leg disorder.  There will be a pulse ox for the index finger to measure the oxygen level in the blood.  Finally, for diagnostic studies, a small sensor, called a thermistor, will be placed just under the nose to measure the patient’s actual breathing pattern.  For CPAP studies, a mask is used in place of the thermistor.  The patient will get to choose from a variety of masks, and will choose the one that they find most comfortable.  It will take approximately ½ hour for the hook-up process. It is not necessary for you to arrive earlier than your scheduled time, however the technicians arrive at 8 pm, and you are welcome to come in earlier than your scheduled time if you like.

The study usually ends between 5-6 am the following morning. The sleep study is non-invasive so you may drive your self. If you have excessive daytime sleepiness, we caution you on driving. Your test results will be interpreted by a physician who is board certified in sleep medicine. The results will then be faxed to your referring doctor in three to five business days. Your referring doctor will discuss the results and treatment options with you. You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor if you do not already have one. Your sleep technician will not be allowed to discuss results of the study in the morning, for the study has not been read by a physician yet.