THE SLEEP STUDY
Once a patient is referred to REM Sleep for a study, he or she can expect a thorough and professional testing procedure. While even though they are being evaluated, our patients can still attain a restful night’s sleep. Moreover, they will inevitably be treated for their sleep problem or disorder and the referring physician will be included throughout the entire process. Follow up during the first year after the sleep study is our high priority. We will monitor the progress of the patient and keep referring physicians abreast of any and all patient information. This is our mission and we believe it is critical to developing a successful and reputable practice.
Sleep disorder is any condition that impairs sleeping well at night to the extent that it disturbs daytime functioning. This is often manifested as excessive daytime sleepiness. The most common sleep disorders are sleep apnea and insomnia. A sleep disorder disrupts and disturbs a person’s overall quality of life and can affect anyone. In fact, more than 70 million people in the U.S. have a sleep disorder and most of them are completely unaware of it. Many of those who are aware of it, do not seek the help that they need.
The health care community is becoming increasingly aware of the many medical complications that are caused by poor sleep or lack of sleep. Many of the health issues we once thought were linked to other causes, such as diet or stress for example, are now linked as directly related to common sleep problems. Poor or lack of sleep can result to medical complications such as high blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities, heart failure, stroke, heart disease, gastrointestinal reflux, and damage to the immune system. Put very simply, we need sleep.
At REM Sleep, We Are Very Unique and Innovative
Upon arrival at REM Sleep, patients may feel like they are checking into a fine hotel, but in reality they are embarking on the road to wellness by unlocking the reason behind their sleepless nights. For millions of Americans suffering from sleep/wake disorders, a restless night of sleep is a common nightly occurrence. We know and understand how disruptive poor sleep quality is for a person’s overall health and how frustrating it can be to not get the proper rest your body so desperately needs. At REM Sleep we are the solution to common sleep problems, but more so a better quality of life. We believe in treating the WHOLE person, analyzing his or her overall health and wellness using our sleep studies as a baseline for treatment. Combining a complete health evaluation and treatment plan for patients with timely, continual and effective communication and follow up with our referring physicians, is what sets us apart and makes us different.
STUDIES, REPORTS & RESULTS
Patient studies are conducted within one to two weeks of physician referral.
Polysomnogram: If there is a problem with your breathing during sleep, then a physician will recommend an overnight sleep study. This study is called a polysomnogram. Electrodes are attached to your head and body by a technician. These electrodes monitor and record brain waves (EEG), heart rate/rhythm (ECG), breathing patterns and blood oxygen saturation during sleep. They also record eye, arm and leg movement. This will reveal if you have OSA and the severity of the problem.
Comprehensive Sleep Evaluation & Follow Up: With OSA, patients may be asked to return to the sleep center for a second polysomnogram. This time, they will be given continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment as they sleep. This is called a CPAP study.
CPAP/BiPAP Titration: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment most often used to treat OSA. It is delivered through a mask worn over the nose or face. The air gently blows into the back of the throat. This keeps the airway open so you are able to keep breathing as you sleep. The amount of air pressure needed is different for each person
Split Night Study: Diagnostic and CPAP Titration
MSLT/Nap Study: The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a nap study. It is used to see how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations during the day. The MSLT is the standard way to measure your level or severity of daytime sleepiness. Excessive sleepiness is when you are sleepy at a time and place when you should be awake and alert. We will ask you to attempt to fall asleep at around 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. We will measure the speed with which you fall asleep and the kind of sleep you go into. Sleep latency is a good indicator of the degree of your excessive daytime sleepiness, and the kind of sleep you obtain will give us a clue as to whether you may have narcolepsy.
Reports are interpreted by our Clinical Sleep Laboratory Director and sent to the referring physician within a two-week time frame.
Hours of Operation: Sleep studies are conducted every day except Saturday and our office hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
