Salsa logo Sleep Apnea Labs of San Antonio

  :: back :: :: general info  ::  FAQ  ::  general instructions ::  

General Information and Frequently Asked Questions

General Information on Sleep Studies:

  • A Sleep Study consists of overnight observation and monitoring while you are asleep, in our specialized lab.
  • When you arrive at the SALSA, a Sleep Technologist will greet you. The procedures for overnight will be explained to you.
  • You will be in a private room for the night's sleep and will be under continuous observations.

 

Measurements taken during the Sleep Study:

  • Brain Waves (Electrodes are placed on the scalp)
  • Heart Beats (Electrodes are placed on the chest)
  • Eye Movements (Electrodes are placed above and below the eyes)
  • Muscle Tone (Electrodes are placed on the chin)
  • Body Position (Sensor is placed on the chest)
  • Leg Movements (Electrodes are placed on the lower leg)
  • Airflow Breathing (Sensor is placed underneath the nose)
  • Chest and Abdominal Breathing (Sensors are placed around the chest and abdomen outside of your pajamas)
  • Oxygen Levels (A small sensor is attached/taped to your finger)

These will be fully explained to you by the Sleep Technologist when they are placed on you.

 

The importance of recording this information

During sleep, the body functions are different than while awake. Disrupted sleep from certain conditions can lead to daytime sleepiness and medical complications (heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.)

 

Can I sleep with all these things on me?

Surprisingly, most people sleep reasonably well. We are only looking to obtain a sample of your sleep. The body sensors are applied so that you can turn and move during sleep. None of the electrodes break the skin. The entire procedure is painless. Our staff will try to make your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible.

 

Will the sensor devices hurt?

No. Sometimes, in rubbing the skin or putting on the electrodes, there are mild and/or temporary skin irritations. However, these do not generally cause any significant discomfort.

 

Will I be given a drug to help me sleep?

No. In fact, we prefer to the extent medically possible, that you be off sleeping medications for at least eight days before coming for the sleep study.

Important:

Please do not stop any of your medications without first consulting with your family physician. Please bring a list of all medications (& dosages) that you are currently taking. Also, be sure to bring all medications with you and take them according to your normal schedule unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.

 

Instructions (Arrival/Discharge):

You will be asked to arrive at 8:30PM. You will be awakened between 6:00AM and 6:30AM the following day for discharge.

 

What should I bring?

  • Your own pillow (most people sleep better with a familiar pillow).
  • Bed clothes (preferably two piece pajamas).
  • Something to read or work on while awake during the non-sleep periods.
  • A change of clothes for the next day.
  • Any necessary medications (none will be supplied by our staff).
  • If you are on Nasal CPAP, bring your mask/headgear, tubing and CPAP machine with you for your sleep study.
  • Please note that towels, bedding and toilet facilities are provided by SALSA.

 

What happens to the Sleep Study?

Your Sleep Study will be reviewed and scored by the Sleep Technologist. SALSA’s medical director will review and interpret the study and provide recommendations as required. This final report will be sent to your physician.

 

General Instructions:

  1. Alcohol - Do not consume any alcohol within 48 hours of your overnight study.
  2. Caffeine - Do not consume any caffeinated beverages after 3:00 p.m. on the day of your sleep study.
  3. Illness - If your health changes or you develop a cold, flu or other health problems prior to your study, please call (210) 479-7704. At least 24-hour notice is required.
  4. Personal Possessions - Do not bring large sums of money or unnecessary jewelry with you. We are not responsible for the loss of personal items.
  5. What to Bring - Please bring a comfortable robe, two-piece pajamas are best, slippers as well as your own personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver) with you. You can also bring your own pillow or towels with you. If you are on nasal CPAP, bring mask and tubing, and nasal CPAP unit.
  6. Clean Hair - It is recommended that you wash your hair on the day of your sleep study. Please try to avoid using hair spray and hair gel.
  7. Medication - Bring all medication with you and take according to your normal schedule unless otherwise indicated by your doctor.
  8. Naps - Do not nap during the day of your sleep study.
  9. Diaries/Questionnaires - Bring any completed questionnaire or diaries related to your sleep disturbance. These will be added to your file.
  10. Meals - There are no restrictions to your eating habits. You may eat a normal meal prior to your sleep study. Meals will not be provided to you. If you are a Diabetic, please bring snacks with you.
  11. Parking - There is ample free parking.
  12. Daytime Sleepiness - If you have been referred for problems related to excessive daytime sleepiness, make sure that somebody drives you to the lab and back to your home in the morning.
  :: back :: :: back to the top ::  
©2003 bensolomon web design (http://www.bensolomon.com), All Rights Reserved
This page is W3C-validated 4.01 HTML