What will happen at the Sleep Center?
The purpose of a sleep study is to document what may cause a sleep disorder. Before bedtime, your technician will apply electrodes with tape or paste. These will be applied to your scalp, face, chest, and legs. The electrodes will monitor brain waves, muscle movement, and your heart rhythm.
Elastic bands will be placed around your chest and abdomen that monitor breathing activity, and a sensor will be taped under your nose to monitor the airflow when you breathe. A sensor will be taped to your finger that will monitor the oxygen saturation of your blood. None of this equipment is invasive or painful.
After these devices are attached, the wires will be connected to a box that can be worn around your neck while you are up. When you go to bed, the technician will connect this box to a cable that leads to the machines in the sleep lab control room. You will be free to use the bathroom during the night, but you must call the technician to disconnect you from the equipment beforehand. Once your study is complete, the sensors will be removed and you will be given instructions on what to do.
Some patients may need to use a Continual Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine during the night. CPAP is a device that delivers a positive pressure of air into your nose and throat that eliminates snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (when you stop breathing periodically during the night). The airflow from the machine is delivered into your airway through a hose and a mask. The mask seals around the perimeter of your nose and is secured in place by a headgear. The technician will adjust the amount of airflow while you are asleep in order to stop any breathing problems or snoring.
If you have any questions, our telephone number is (971)244-0045.