A sleep study (also called a polysomnogram or PSG) is used to diagnose a variety of sleep problems, most commonly obstructive sleep apnea.

For the sleep study, you will need to stay overnight in one of our specially designed bedrooms that allows for a trained sleep technician to observe you while you are asleep. You will have your own bathroom, including a shower, for use during your stay.

For the testing, a series of electrodes are attached to your head, legs and chest that record information about your sleep, your muscles, your heart and your breathing. This information is analyzed by trained technicians and doctors to determine whether you might have a problem with your sleep. The technician that monitors you overnight observes for certain problems that might need to be corrected urgently, such as low oxygen levels. They will not be able to give you any information about the final results of the test.

BEFORE THE STUDY
You should follow your normal daily routine, particularly with your sleep. We encourage you to sleep a normal amount the night before, and there is no need to take an extra nap in preparation for the test. Take your medications as you normally would. If you take medications to help you sleep, ask your doctor if you should take the medicines the night of the sleep study. You should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the study and if you can, avoid nicotine (cigarettes) and caffeine in the evening.

DURING THE STUDY
The goal of the study is to see what your body does when you are sleeping. We will try to make you as comfortable as possible, although we realize it will not be the same as the bed you are used to at home. We encourage you to try to sleep as best you can and bring anything along with you that may help you be more comfortable, such as your favorite pillow.

AFTER THE STUDY
After your study is complete, your information will be compiled and analyzed by trained technicians and physicians. This process takes approximately one to two weeks to complete. The results will then be sent back to the doctor or provider who ordered the test for their review. If we feel that you need further testing, or that you should speak with one of our sleep specialists, we will call you to arrange another appointment. This appointment may be for another sleep study or for a consult with one of our doctors or nurse practitioners in the clinic.

ORDERING EQUIPMENT
If we determine that you would benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or from oxygen, we will coordinate ordering this equipment after reviewing your final results from the sleep study. We may ask that you come in for an appointment before this can be completed.

Insurance Information
Although you must stay overnight for a sleep study, your insurance provider does not consider it to be a “hospitalization,” but rather outpatient testing. Please contact your insurance provider to find out if your health care plan requires a referral from your primary care provider. It is your responsibility to supply the referral. Our office will obtain any necessary pre-authorizations.

If your insurance company requires that you secure a referral, it is your responsibility to verify that your primary care provider has sent a referral for a polysomnogram (sleep study; CPT code: #95810). This is important to double check, because a standard referral to our office may not include the polysomnogram. Additionally, your insurance provider may require that you pay part of the cost of this study. You should contact them in advance to determine what portion of the study is your responsibility.