When you go for a Sleep Study

Welcome to the Macomb Sleep Center where all of your sleep issues will be addressed with thoroughness and compassion.  Our Sleep Center offers you the best environment for diagnosing your sleep problems.

• New Computer Somnostar Pro Sleep Diagnostic System
• 3 Private Sleeping Rooms
• New Furniture purchased in 2005
• Management by a Fellowship-Trained Sleep Study Expert Doctor

What to expect

When you come to the Macomb Sleep Institute your visit will follow a fairly standard sequence of steps.

We will ask you to come in to our lobby around 9 PM.  Please note that you may bring your own pillows for comfort.  You must dress appropriately for the lab (keep the sexy stuff at home).  When you enter the sleep lab, you will find that only the sleep technician will be present.  This person will greet your courteously and take any additional information not obtained when the appointment was made for the study.

After getting registered you will be escorted to one of our newly refurbished rooms (nice queen sized beds for added comfort).  The study should be explained and why it is being conducted.  Please save all of your questions about you condition for the sleep specialist doctor as she is the only one trained to answer these questions. [picture of room]

Electrodes will be placed on your scalp to assess the stages of sleep you exhibit while sleeping.  They will also be placed on either sides of your eyes to monitor eye movements.  This is important in assessing for Rapid Eye Movement (also known as REM) sleep.  Electrodes will also be placed on your legs to capture any unusual movements which may also disrupt your sleep (called periodic limb movements).  Bands will subsequently be placed around your chest and abdomen to monitor your breathing.  A pulse oximetry (similar to what you may have seen in the hospital) will be used to monitor the amount of oxygen in your blood.  An ECG will be used to monitor your heart to assure that there are no abnormal heart rhythms while you sleep.

If you having a nCPAP (nasal continuous positive airway pressure) titration to treat your sleep disordered breathing, then a mask connected to a machine (not the same type of mask or machine that you would receive for home use) will be applied to reduce the number of times you stop breathing to within normal range.  We will also be making sure that your oxygen levels are normalized.

You may wonder how people sleep with wires connected in a foreign environment.  Surprisingly, the majority of people sleep well enough for us to determine exactly what type of sleep problem you are experiencing.  You may be unhooked to go the the rest room.

You will then be able to relax by watching tv, reading, or other activities.

 

 

When you go to sleep the computer will begin recording your brainwave and breathing activity.

 

 

 

 

The technician can observe your motions through the infrared camera in the room.  If the technician observes certain problems occurring during the night they may wake you to try certain techniques.  You may be asked to wear a breathing treatment mask (CPAP) that can help stop breathing interruptions. 

 

 

In the morning many of our patients return home to get ready for their day.  After completion of the study, you will be allowed to shower at our facility and breakfast (usually cereal).  If you have special needs (cardiac diet, diabetic diet, lactose intolerance or allergies to certain food groups), you should alert us prior to coming to the lab.  The best way to remedy this would to bring your own breakfast product in the morning.  You will leave around 8am.

 

Our technician will then finalize your study on the computer and create a summary for the doctor.  Click here to see examples of a full report.

 

 

 

 

Test results will be given at either an initial consultation or follow-up visit with the sleep specialist.  The physician will interpret your report and communicate the results to you or your doctor.  If specific treatment is recommended you would find out at this stage.   

 

 

I hope this has given you sufficient information to ease any apprehension or anxiety you may be experiencing prior to your study.  Please feel free to contact my office staff during the day at 586-566-3001, if you have additional questions, concerns or comments.