WHAT IS A SLEEP DISORDER?

A sleep disorder is a disruptive pattern of sleep that prevents people from getting the restful, restorative sleep they need to feel refreshed the next day. We evaluate the following conditions and symptoms:

• Snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Unusual movement during sleep
• Narcolepsy
• Night Terrors/Nightmares/Sleepwalking

WHY DO I NEED A SLEEP STUDY?

Because of the concerns you and your physician have about your sleepiness and sleep-related health problems, a sleep study (polysomnogram) has been recommended. This study will allow us to determine exactly what is happening to you while you are sleeping.

Sleep is not a simple process. A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a recording of your sleep patterns. It also allows us to monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, muscle activity and heart tracing. This information can help us identify different sleep stages, breathing related problems, movement disorders and other various sleep problems.

A typical sleep study involves more than 800 pages of information. Our sleep specialist with special knowledge of sleep and its disorders will interpret this information and make recommendations on the treatment(s) needed to help improve your sleep and quality of life.

At your follow-up visit, generally two weeks after the sleep studies, the sleep specialist will review your record with you so you have a complete understanding of your sleep disorder and treatment plan. The results will also be shared with your primary care or referring physician.

HOW IS A SLEEP STUDY PERFORMED?

During sleep testing, your brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing and heart rate are monitored by small metal discs called electrodes. These electrodes are applied to your head and skin with an adhesive. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen measure your breathing while the level of oxygen in your blood is measured by a pulse oximeter which is placed on your finger.

HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO SLEEP IN A STRANGE ENVIRONMENT WITH ALL THOSE WIRES ON ME?

None of these devices are painful and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible. The electrodes may feel strange on your skin at first, but most people do not find them uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. The electrode wires will be gathered together in a kind of ponytail behind your head so that you will be able to roll over and change positions while you sleep.

The surroundings at the Chattanooga Sleep Center are homey and comfortable. Each room is equipped with a queen size bed, flat screen television and private bath and shower. The technical equipment and technicians will be in a separate room from your sleeping room. The sleep specialist recognizes that your sleep in the center might not be exactly like your sleep at home. This usually does not interfere with obtaining the necessary information from your study.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY SLEEP STUDY?

On the day of your sleep study, avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate) after 2 pm and try not to nap. Before coming to the sleep center, wash and dry your hair. Do not apply hair sprays, oils or gels to your hair or lotion or oil to your body. Pack an overnight bag, as you would for an overnight stay at a hotel. If you have special needs, please advise the sleep center personnel so they can accommodate you.

SHOULD I TAKE MEDICATIONS, AS USUAL?

Yes, take all medications as you normally would unless your physician tells you otherwise. Bring all your medications with you to the Sleep Center. If you are diabetic, please pack and bring with you all your accucheck supplies including test strips, syringes and insulin.

WILL INSURANCE COVER MY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT?

If your physician recommends sleep testing, you will have a Sleep Center testing charge and a physician's interpretive charge. Medicare and most commercial insurances cover these charges. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, United Healthcare, Cariten and Cigna will cover sleep services only if they are provided at an accredited sleep center. The Chattanooga Sleep Center is accredited as a full service sleep disorder center by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. If you have questions regarding insurance coverage and payments, contact our billing department at 423-693-2800.

For more information on sleep disorders or sleep study testing process, call 423.693.2800.