How It Works
What is a Sleep Study?
A Sleep Study, or Polysomnogram, is a test used to diagnose Sleep Disorders or disorders that relate to sleep (Cardiac, Nasal, Restless Leg, Respiratory). Polysomnograms track your Pulse, Breathing, Oxygen in the Blood, and In-Lab studies track your brain waves as well as your eye and leg movements. The data from this is used to determine what disorders you have and how they can be treated. You'll be asked to call our sleep center to set up an appointment for a sleep test that accommodates your schedule.
Process of Getting an
APAP, CPAP, or BiPAP
After a Diagnostic Sleep Study or HST your results will be compiled into a report and sent to your provider for a follow-up appointment. In this report your sleep apnea will be ranked on a scale from MILD to MODERATE to SEVERE. Based on that ranking the following will most likely occur
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Mild - Most likely since your apnea is at the lowest stage a DME (Durable Medical Equipment) Order can be sent by your provider to a DME company in your area for an APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure Device) that should aid in alleviating your sleep problems.
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Moderate - Most likely the moderate stage a DME Order can still be sent by your provider to a DME company in your area. However because this apnea is more complex an additional study called a CPAP titration is require to determine setting for an CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device) that will be order unless deemed unnecessary by provider or insurance. Then you may qualify for an APAP
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Severe - This stage will almost certainly require a Titration Sleep Study again to determine CPAP or BiPAP settings before a DME order can be sent.
Types of Studies
Home Sleep Test (HST) - A test that lets you sleep in the comfort of your own home while still allowing us to obtain the information we need to diagnose your sleep problems. You will pick up a device from our facility that you will wear during the times that you usually sleep and bring it back to us in the morning.
In-Lab Diagnostic Sleep Test - A more personal testing method that requires you to spend the night in our accommodating sleep facility where you will have a private room and be safely monitored by our trained sleep technicians.
In-Lab PAP Titration Sleep Test - A Sleep Study that also requires you to spend the night at our facility overnight this time to determine CPAP settings that best adhere to your breathing patterns at night while you sleep.
Treatable Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea - Some of those whom pause, snore, and gasp for air at night may suffer from this disorder that involves minute-short but frequent lacks of breathing that cause fatigue, high blood pressure, and more.
Narcolepsy - The disorder is mostly apparent in teenagers that makes them fall asleep without warning when in certain surroundings or situations.
Frequent Fatigue - After presumably receiving a good night sleep and still being tired during the day can be sign that this disorder is apparent.