The NeuroMedical Center | Patient Education Library | Sleep Studies

Sleep Studies are special tests performed at The Spine Hospital of Louisiana’s Sleep Center located on the 2nd floor that record what happens to your body during sleep to find out what is causing your sleep problems.  If you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder, the good news, most sleep disturbances can be treated.

 


WHAT TO EXPECT:

Sleep Studies typically involve spending one night in our bedroom laboratory. Special sensors will be connected to your head for painless monitoring of your breathing, brain waves, and heart activity, as well as eye and muscle movements while you sleep. Home Sleep Testing (HST), or Sleep Studies performed in the comfort of your own home, is also offered when appropriate. The recordings from both in-center and HST testing become data which will be analyzed by Sleep Center physicians and licensed polysomnographic technologists.

BEFORE YOUR IN-HOUSE STUDY:

  • Avoid taking naps in the afternoon.
  • Refrain from drinking caffeinated drinks and eating chocolate.
  • Shower and shampoo your hair. DO NOT USE hair spray, conditioners, oils, and body lotion as these may interfere with monitoring sensors.
  • Enjoy an evening meal, and pack a light snack.
  • Bring an overnight bag with comfortable sleep clothes and toiletry items.
  • Take all routine medications as prescribed.

AFTER YOUR SLEEP STUDY:

After your in-house Sleep Study, you are free to go about your normal routine. The special adhesive used to attach the sensors to your head can be washed out with your normal shampoo.

Following your Sleep Study, your sleep technologist can answer some of your questions, but only your physician who ordered the test can provide you with your results. Our center will send a comprehensive report of your results to your physician, so a follow-up visit with the provider who referred you to The Spine Hospital of Louisiana Sleep Center is required. Your physician will go over the results of your sleep study with you, and will discuss your treatment options.

 

Sleep studies help diagnose:

  • Hypersomnia
  • Insomnia
  • Narcolepsy
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Shift Work Disorder
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Sleep Walking
  • Sleep Terrors

If you are undergoing any type of surgical procedure, it is recommended that you be screened for sleep apnea PRIOR to surgery to avoid developing serious cardiovascular complications such as cardiac arrest or shock.

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If you think you may be living with an untreated sleep disorder, make an appointment today with a NeuroMedical Center neurologist by requesting an appointment online.