What should I ask when choosing a sleep center for my study?

We recommend asking these questions:

• Is the center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine?
• Are the physicians board certified in sleep medicine?
• Are the physicians on site at the center and available to answer patient’s questions?
• Is the technician registered by the Board of Registered Polysomographic Technologists?
• Is the technician-to-patient ratio during testing consistent with the guideline set forth by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine?
• Is the center equipped to assess any and all diagnostic possibilities?
• How comprehensive is the center?
• Is there a variety of partnering specialties to best serve my needs? (for example, psychology, ear, nose, throat, etc.)

Who’s at risk for a sleep disorder?

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, and its symptoms are worse in middle-aged adults between 40 and 60 years old. However, it affects people of all ages, including a small percentage of children.

The most common risk factors are:

Who should visit the Sleep Center?

If you (or someone you know) snore regularly or have one or more of the following symptoms, you may need a sleep study:

What’s a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

After an initial consultation with your physician or a sleep specialist, you may be referred for a sleep study. A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure typically done in a sleep center.

A sleep technologist records multiple biological functions during sleep such as brain wave activity, eye movement, muscle tone, heart rhythm and breathing via electrodes and monitors placed on the head, chest and legs. The data is recorded and interpreted by a board-certified physician.

Treatment may be given during the study and may include oxygen or a continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) mask. A CPAP helps hold the air passages in the nose and throat open during sleep and eliminates snoring and pauses in breathing.

Should I do a home study or a study in a lab?

A sleep study performed in a lab continues to be the "gold standard."
This is because:

• 16 variables can be recorded;
• Multiple disorders can be tested and diagnosed;
• Studies are continuously monitored by a technician;
• Equipment can be adjusted.