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SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER
Getting a good night’s sleep should be the most natural thing in the world. Normal sleep helps to restore our physical and mental energy. However, nearly a quarter of the population in the U.S. and as many as half of all individuals over the age of 65 suffer from sleep disorders to some degree.
The Sleep Disorders Center offers comprehensive sleep evaluations with state-of-the-art equipment, a specially trained staff and personalized attention in a quiet, home-like atmosphere. For more information, call the Sleep Disorders Center at (703) 369-8268.
The Sleep Disorders Center Treats:
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Sleep Apnea People with sleep apnea syndrome may stop breathing many
times during sleep. These episodes often last from 10 to 90 seconds and may
occur several hundred times a night.
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Narcolepsy Attacks of an irresistible desire to fall asleep are the
result of narcolepsy. Patients with significant or severe sleep apnea may have
symptoms compatible with this disorder.
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Insomnia The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep is a result of
insomnia, which may be caused by heartburn, poor sleep habits, alcohol,
medications, stress or sleep apnea.
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Nocturnal Myoclonus Jerking leg movements during sleep are often
recorded at the end of apenic spells but may represent an independent clinical
problem. Periodic nocturnal myoclonus is a disorder that causes frequent leg
jerks or movements during sleep.
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Your Comprehensive Sleep Evaluation
During sleep, the body functions
differently than while awake. Disrupted sleep can disturb daytime activities
and, sometimes, medical problems during sleep involve a risk to basic health.
A polysomnogram (sleep study) is a procedure designed to evaluate your physical
state during sleep periods. The length and quality of your sleep are measured
and analyzed.
Measurements taken while you sleep include:
| | brain waves | | | heart rate | | | eye, chin and leg movement | | | breathing, breathing effort and movement | | | blood oxygen levels |
Electrodes and sensors are applied in a way that allows you
to turn and move during sleep. A washable adhesive is used to attach the
devices to your skin. Generally, you will not be aware that you are wearing the
devices after they have been on for a short time.
Sleep onset and awakenings
are recorded, and patients are routinely videotaped to correlate body positions
and movements.
The following are two tests your physician may order in addition
to your initial polysomnogram. The tests are sometimes performed while you are
here for your initial study.
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Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) An MSLT is
designed to measure the severity of daytime sleepiness. This test consists of a
series of two to five 20-minute naps given every two hours throughout the day.
The same kind of information is measured as a polysomnogram.
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) If the initial polysomnogram documents
significant breathing disorder, CPAP is sometimes used to treat the disorder.
CPAP is a method of delivering the necessary air pressure, through a nasal
mask, to maintain an open airway during sleep.
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What to Expect During Your Sleep
Study
The night of your study, bring to the Sleep Disorders Center your
nightclothes, toiletries, medication and any personal belongings (pillow,
blanket, etc.) that may help you sleep more comfortably. Your nightclothes
should be loose and preferably two-piece as there will be electrodes attached
to your calves and chest. Please do not wear satin, nylon or silk. The room is
equipped with a television and you may bring books or magazines with you.
The technologist will review the sleep study procedure and go over the paperwork.
You will change into your nightclothes and get ready for bed. The technologist
will attach the electrodes and sensors and help you get settled into bed. You
will have contact with the technologist at all times by an intercom system. At
any time during the night, feel free to request a drink of water, an extra
blanket or a visit to the restroom.
You will be awakened around 5:00 a.m. to
5:30 a.m. to change out of your nightclothes and be discharged unless you are
staying for an MSLT. If you are staying for an MSLT, breakfast and lunch will
be provided. Shower facilities are available.
To Schedule a Sleep Study
After your physician refers you for a sleep study, you may contact the Sleep
Disorders Center at (703) 369-8268 to schedule an appointment. Because most
people sleep at night, the study will take place at night, with the exception
of an MSLT. If you work at night and sleep during the day, your study will be
scheduled during the day.
A pre-admission questionnaire will be mailed to you
and must be completed and returned before your appointment. The questionnaire
is designed to help our physician and sleep technologist understand the nature
of your complaints.
The referring physician’s staff or your primary care
physician’s staff should contact your insurance company to obtain the necessary
authorization. You may want to call the insurance company yourself to check the
benefits.
A reminder of your scheduled appointment will be mailed to you prior
to your study.
You may contact the Sleep Disorders Center by calling (703)
369-8268 or faxing (703) 369-8204.
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