New River Medical Center

FAQs

How do I know if I need a sleep study?

How can I set up a sleep study?

What happens on the night of the sleep study?

Where will I sleep during my study?

What if I have trouble falling asleep during the sleep study?

How can I sleep with all of these "things" on me?

Will the sensor devices hurt?

Does my child need a sleep study?

What should I bring if my child is having a sleep test?

What is sleep apnea?

What is CPAP?

What is a polysomnogram?
What is CPAP?

Why record all of these things?

How much will a sleep study cost?

Printable sleep history questionnaire

How do I know if I need a sleep study?

The main reasons for a sleep study include unexplained sleepiness and concerns regarding sleep apnea. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, unrefreshing sleep and daytime fatigue. To better understand and diagnose your sympotms, we offer consultations with a board certified Sleep Medicine physician and full overnight sleep studies in the sleep lab. We also offer a free at-home sleep apnea screening test determine if a full overnight sleep study is neccessary.

How can I set up a sleep study?

A sleep study must be ordered by a medical provider. You can speak to your primary physician about your sleep concerns or meet with a sleep specialist to discuss this. Call 763-271-2422 to meet with a sleep specialist.

What happens on the night of the sleep study?

Patients arrive at the sleep center at 8 p.m. or as arranged. A sleep technologist places sensors on you. These sensors monitor breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, leg movements and brain activity. Once the patient is ready to sleep, the lights are turned off and the sleep technologist monitors the patient from another room. If the sleep technologist sees evidence of sleep apnea, they will try Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) during the second part of the night, making adjustments as needed to normalize breathing. Most sleep studies end at approximately 7 a.m. If you need to leave earlier, we can adjust the time accordingly.

Where will I sleep during my study?

The sleep study will take place in one of our private Sleep Center rooms.

These rooms are designed to offer a comfortable environment for your study. We provide queen-size Select Comfort beds, a private bathroom and shower and a continental breakfast in the morning.

What if I have trouble falling asleep during the sleep study?

In most cases, sleep study participants are able to sleep enough to obtain valid results. However, if you have problems falling asleep, on the night of the test, a sleep aid can be provided. If you currently use a sleep aid, you may use this on the night of the study. It is important that you limit your caffeine intake and abstain from any alcohol on the day of your test. Please do NOT stop any of your medications without first consulting your primary physician.

How can I sleep with all of these "things" on me?
Most people sleep very well even with all of the monitoring equipment in place. Generally, you will lose your awareness of the attached monitoring equipment after it has been attached for a short time.

Will the sensor devices hurt?
No, the sensors will not hurt.

Does my child need a sleep study?

It is important for children to have a restful sleep in order to aid their physical and mental development. Disruptive sleep issues such as night terrors, sleep walking and sleep apnea can hinder a child's development and cause emotional stress. Your pediatrician can order a sleep consultation to learn more about what is preventing your child from receiving the sleep he/she needs. You can also contact the Sleep Center to schedule a consultation with our pediatric sleep specialist. Click here for a list of signs and symptoms that your child may need a sleep study

What should I bring if my child is having a sleep test?
If your child is having an overnight sleep test, please bring the following to help your child relax and feel more at home:

Any special blanket, stuffed animal, pillow or other special item your child usually sleeps with.
Your child's favorite movie to watch during the electrode set up process. This is very important.
If you usually read to your child at bedtime, bring a book with you.
A favorite toy for your child to play with during the set up process.
Pajamas - do not bring one-piece "jumpsuit style" pajamas for your child.
Any special food or drink.
Bottle or sippy cup if your child uses one.
Diapers, training pants, pull-ups and wipes if your child is not fully potty trained or has a history of bed wetting.
Extra set of pajamas in case of an accident.
Toothbrush, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items.

What is sleep apnea?

In sleep apnea, the upper airway collapses while you are sleeping. Not only does this cause snoring, but the extra work of breathing leads to arousals that make sleep choppy and unrefreshing. Poor sleep leaves the person feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day. Medical studies have also linked sleep apnea with high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke and type II diabetes.

What is CPAP?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is a small machine that sits next to your bed and generates air pressure. The pressure is transmitted through a nasal mask and props open the upper airway. By keeping the airway from collapsing, CPAP eliminates snoring and sleep apnea.

What is a polysomnogram?
The polysomnogram is a test which measures bodily functions during sleep. Each test may vary depending on the patient's specific needs. Some of the measurements that may be taken include:

Brain wave
Eye movements
Muscle tension
Leg movements
Breathing
Blood oxygen levels

Why record all of these things?
During sleep the body functions differently then while awake. Disrupted sleep can disturb daytime activities and in time medical problems that occur during sleep can involve a risk to your basic health.

How much will a sleep study cost?

The cost of an overnight sleep study depends on your insurance coverage. Your insurance provider should be able to tell you what your out-of-pocket expense will be. Your insurance card will have your provider's contact information. Our financial counsler can also work with you to review your plan and help you determine your cost.

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