Thousands of Americans struggle with sleep related disorders. Many of them don’t even know it. What they do know is that they are constantly tired or have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. Others know that they snore constantly or even possibly stop breathing during their sleep. Some often wake up only to feel worse than when they went to bed.
If any of these experiences sound like your experience, we encourage you to read the following and see if a sleep study might be right for you.
Do I need a sleep study?
If you experience any or all of the following symptoms, it is possible that you suffer from sleep apnea:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring accompanied by nighttime choking or gasping spells.
- Waking each morning without ;feeling refreshed.
- Struggling with issues of memory, concentration or retention.
- Feeling irritable, depressed, having mood swings or experiencing personality changes.
- Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
- Morning headaches.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to many other health conditions, including heart disease. A sleep study is necessary to fully diagnose sleep apnea.
What Can I expect at the MGRMC Sleep Center?
MGRMC uses state-of-the-art sleep equipment to ensure you and your physician receive accurate study results. All sleep studies are performed by a specially trained sleep specialist and are interpreted by Board Certified Sleep Physician, Dr. Jyotsna Sahni.
Our Sleep Center has two private comfortable diagnostic bedrooms that are each equipped with; individual temperature control, a comfortable queen-size Tempur-Pedic mattress, private bathroom w/shower, and a large LCD flat panel television.
How is A Sleep Study Done?
Your body and brain activity are measured by placing small sensors or electrodes on your head and body with a water-soluble paste-like adhesive. Flexible wiring is attached to these electrodes, which are attached to a central monitoring unit. Your respiratory effort is measured using flexible elastic bands around your chest and abdomen. Your blood oxygen level and heart rate are also measured using a probe on your index finger. All of this data is collected and monitored by the sleep specialist and then is interpreted to deliver the most effective treatment and or recommendations as possible.
Often, your primary physician will have you perform a Home Sleep Study first, all the equipment needed and instructions will be provided to you. This will provide enough information to let their physician know whether or not you are in need of an in-lab sleep study performed as well for additional diagnostic testing.
How Can I Schedule A Sleep Study?
A referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP) is required. So we encourage you to consult with your PCP about the signs and symptoms you are experiencing and together decide if a sleep study might be right for you. If so, have your PCP fax an order to us at 855-531-2791.
Upon receiving your order, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. Once your appointment is scheduled, a welcome letter will be mailed to you. This letter includes the date and time of your study, study preparation instructions, and several questionnaires. Should you have questions about when your appointment is scheduled, should you need to re-schedule or if you need to cancel an appointment, please call the Cardiopulmonary Scheduler at 928-348-3772.