What are the stages of sleep?
Stage 1
Lightest stage of sleep, transitional stage from wake.
Stage 1 shifts
Number of times the sleep stage changed to stage 1.
Stage 2
First true stage of sleep.
Stage 3-4
Deepest, most restorative sleep.
Stage REM
Dreaming stage; Normally occurs every 60-90 minutes.
How do you know if
you should have a sleep evaluation?
·
You
suffer from loud snoring
·
Your bed partner has
observed that you stop breathing or struggle to breathe in your sleep
·
You
wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrefreshed
·
You
have daytime fatigue and sleepiness
·
You
suffer from depression
Why is it necessary
to record all these things?
During sleep your
body functions differently than when you are awake. The sensors determine
how well your body is functioning and are necessary in order to get a
complete picture of what is happening.
Can
I sleep comfortably with all these things attached to me?
Most people sleep
quite well. The electrodes and other devices are applied so that you can
move fairly free in your sleep without disturbing them. None of the devices
are painful and a technician is available to help make you as comfortable
as possible.
How are the
electrodes applied?
The application is
done in two stages. First, the area where the electrode is to be applied
will be cleaned to remove normal body oils. Second, the electrodes on
hairless areas will be taped securely so they will not come loose. On the
head, the electrodes will be secured with paste and gauze.
What if I have to go
to the bathroom or get a drink during the night?
The technician can
hear you through an audio system and can see you on their monitors. You can
ask the technician if you need to get up. They do not have to remove any
wires. They will disconnect the wiring box from your bedside equipment and
you can carry that small box with you. When you return, the technician will
reconnect the box to the bedside equipment.
Will anyone be in the
Sleep Center while I am sleeping?
You will have your own room with a queen size bed. A trained
technician will remain in the Sleep Center control room and will
use audio and visual monitoring continuously throughout your study. You can
talk to the technician at any time. The technician is responsible
for making your stay in the Sleep Center comfortable, pleasant and safe.
Is the study covered by insurance?
Sleep studies are covered under most
medical insurance plans, although deductibles and percentages of coverage
vary. We will verify insurance benefits and coverage prior to your sleep
study. Please feel free to call our office staff at (973) 272-6933 with any
questions or concerns you may have.
What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?
This is a daytime test consisting of a series of 20-minute
naps. Sensors and electrodes are used to record information, similar to the
polysomnogram test. 20-minute long naps are given every two hours
throughout the day. You can watch TV, access WiFi or read/work during the
day to keep you occupied in between naps.
What is titration, as it pertains to
sleep studies?
If a sleep study determines you have Obstructive Sleep
Apnea, you will need a "titration study." A titration study can
take place on the same night as your diagnosing sleep study or scheduled
for a later date.
Titration is a scientific lab term, meaning to slowly add a little bit more
of something until you reach a desired effect. During your study a skilled
technician will monitor your sleep and slowly increase the air pressure on
a CPAP machine until you are able to sleep without or with few sleep events
(apneas and hypopneas). Your pressure needs vary throughout the night, so
an overnight sleep study is required to prescribe you the correct pressure.
Your prescribed CPAP pressure setting will be what your
sleep technician determines as the highest you will need during the night.
By prescribing the highest pressure, your doctor hopes to prevent as many
sleep events as possible. The downside of this approach is that you will
have the highest pressure at all times even when it's only necessary for
part of the night.
APAPs, BiPAPs and BiLevels offer the newer technologies of exhalation
relief which you may find helps your therapy.
|