If you think you have a sleep disorder, your first step should be to meet with your primary care physician to discuss your symptoms. Your physician may then contact us to request an appointment for you. Your physician must make the request-- there are no self-referrals.
We will contact you to schedule an appointment once we receive a referral from your physician. We will also mail you a complete information packet.
Things to note:
- Most patients need to stay one night for a diagnosis.
- Patients being evaluated for sleep apnea typically spend a second night, at a later date, for treatment.
- Patients suspected of narcolepsy routinely spend one night, followed by a series of nap trials the following day. Shift workers can be monitored during the day.
How to prepare, what to expect:
- Bring your toiletries and, if you prefer, your own pillow.
- Bring your pajamas or loose-fitting clothing (shorts and T-shirt) so that the technologist can apply sensors easily.
- Shower or bathe and be sure to NOT wear lotions, hair sprays, makeup, or fingernail polish.
- Do NOT take a nap on the day of your evaluation.
- DO sleep well if you can the night before.
- Do NOT consume alcohol or caffeine after 3 p.m. on the day of the test.
- DO take any medication(s) you are on, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. If you take medication(s) at night, be sure to bring them with you.
Once in bed you will be asked to respond to a set of directions called biocalibrations, This process is done to ensure that the sensors are placed correctly and responding appropriately.
After biocalibration, you may be asked to prepare for sleep. You can change your position and request to get out of bed as often as you require. During the night, the technologist in the control room will monitor you via closed circuit television.
The technologist will enter the room only if you request it or if it becomes necessary to reapply a sensor. You can request a specific wake-up time. If not, we will wake you between 5:15 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. The sensors will be removed and you will be free to leave.
Learn about sleep studies in the Health Library
Directions
- From Highland Avenue take the upper entrance that leads to Axelrod 6 parking. See map.
- Park in the lot designated for physician parking. It is safe to park there overnight. Walk to the main entrance doors. Push the button on the inside right to alert the staff. You will be buzzed in.
- When you hear the buzz push the handicap button located under the intercom and the door will open. Once in the door, proceed left down the corridor to the elevator on your left (Elevator AE).
- Take the elevator down to the fifth floor. Exit the elevator and head left down the hall, following signs for the Sleep Center.
- The Sleep Center entrance will be located on the right just after the clock on the ceiling. There is a set of brown doors marked Go through the doors to the next set of doors and you will have arrived.
Lost or have questions? call (978) 354-4397 days and (978 825-6219 nights.
