How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

To determine if you have a sleep disorder, first pay attention to your sleep habits and daily routine. Keeping a sleep diary may be helpful in discussing your daily patterns with your physician. Important events to track include:

• The time you go to bed at night
• Estimated time you fell asleep
• Note each time you wake up during the night
• The time you wake up in the morning
• Whether or not you needed an alarm clock to wake up
• Note any naps and their duration
• Describe how you feel during the day (groggy, drowsy or tired and at what time)

Bring your diary to the attention of your physician upon which he or she will ask a variety of questions regarding your symptoms, psychological history, medical history and family member or bed partner’s observations.

Do I need to see a sleep specialist?

Many kinds of health care providers help diagnose and treat sleep disorders. If you suffer from a sleep problem that is interfering with your life, your primary care provider may be able to determine what kind of sleep disorder you have and prescribe an effective treatment. If the problem requires further testing, you may be referred to one of the following specialists:

• Pulmonologists treat lung disease and breathing problems associated with sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
• Neurologists treat brain and nervous system disorders that may contribute to sleep problems
• Otolaryngologists treat ear, nose, and throat conditions. They may evaluate snoring and other breathing problems associated with sleep disorders.
• Psychiatrists treat mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, which can contribute to sleep problems. Psychiatrists may conduct therapy and prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.
• Psychologists provide psychotherapy to treat mood disorders that can interfere with sleep. They also may teach relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Dentists may fit you with an oral appliance to make it easier for you to breathe while you sleep, if you suffer from mild sleep apnea

Merit works in close partnership with specialists from all specialties who are Diplomates of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Physicians and dentists from our experienced sleep team are available to help you and your family better understand sleep disorders, studies or any sleep related issue. Click here to find a specialist in your area.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, is a painless, non-invasive test that records your physical state during various stages of sleep. It provides essential data to evaluate sleep and sleep-related complaints and problems, such as identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, eye movement, brain waves, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior.

If you are being tested for sleep apnea , you may undergo a “split-night” test, in which half the night will be used to diagnose your sleep problem, and the other half will be used to determine the best way to treat the problem. Or you may be asked to return for another sleep study to help us determine the best treatment for you.

Sleep studies are performed at any one of our accredited Merit Centers for Sleep Health. Each patient has his or her own “suite” that is much like a hotel room with a private bathroom, queen-size bed and flat screen TV. Computerized monitoring equipment is kept in a separate room to ensure all patients privacy and comfort. Click here for a virtual tour of our sleep centers.

How should I prepare for my study?

• Shower and shampoo your hair before arriving
• Avoid using skin creams, oils or conditioners
• Try to eat your evening meal before 7:00 p.m
• Avoid alcohol on the day of your study
• Avoid caffeine, coffee, tea, colas and chocolate
• If you smoke, try to smoke your last cigarette at least one hour before arriving at our center
• Do not take any naps on the day of your sleep study
• Remove nail polish and acrylic nail on the index finger of one hand (alternative is available)
• Do not start a new diet or exercise program on the day of your sleep study
• Take all medications your doctor has prescribed
• Pack a bag as you would for an overnight stay at a hotel with the following items:
• 1. Something loose fitting and comfortable to sleep in
  2. Your favorite pillow, blanket or bedtime reading material
  3. Any toiletries you may need (towels, shampoo and soap will be provided)
  4. Your current insurance ID card, sleep study referral form and completed bed partner questionnaire from the pre-study packet mailed to you from Merit (if applicable)
• If you have special needs, advise the sleep center personnel so they can accommodate you

What will happen when I arrive at the sleep center?

• Arrive at the sleep center at your scheduled time, upon which you will be greeted by a sleep technologist and asked to fill out some paperwork.
• You will then be shown to your own private bedroom with an attached bathroom to change into your nightclothes and prepare for bed as you would at home.
• Feel free to relax by watching TV or reading in your room while you wait for your sleep technician to prepare you for the test.
• Your sleep technician will apply devices to monitor the activities that take place in your body during sleep. These devices are not painful and are designed to be as comfortable as possible:
  1. Sensors, or small metal disks called electrodes, are applied to the skin of your head and body using a water soluble adhesive
  2. Flexible elastic belts are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing
  3. A clip is placed on your finger or earlobe to monitor the level of oxygen in your blood and heart rate
• Your sleep technicians will monitor your sleep in a room separate from your bedroom.
• An audio and digital video recording of your sleep study will be taken during the night.
• The in-room microphone allows two-way communication with your sleep technician should you need assistance

What if I need to go to the bathroom during the night?

All you need to do is say out loud that you need to go to the bathroom. Your sleep technician all will hear you through the in-room microphone and will come in to unplug the wires that are attached to you. You will then be free to get out of bed and use the private restroom attached to your bedroom. Most patients have to get up at least once during the night.

What happens after my study?

Once enough data is collected, usually around 5:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m., your sleep technician will wake you up and remove the equipment so that you may take a shower and get ready for the day before leaving. Light breakfast refreshments will be provided. The collected data will be analyzed by a Merit polysomnographer and then sent to one of our physicians, specially trained in sleep medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. The results will be forwarded to your physician for further review. Within approximately 2-3 weeks, your physician will discuss the results, treatment options (if required) or whether a follow-up appointment is needed.