About the Sleep Disorders Center

The Sleep Disorders Center uses the talents ofspecially trained physicians and technologists whoreceived training in sleep disorders medicine andvarious testing procedures.

Your doctor may order some tests based on the typeof sleep problem you describe. The tests may includeX-rays, overnight recordings or a full evaluation in theSleep Disorders Center. Your sleep problem determineswhich treatment your doctor recommends. Treatmentwill take time, but the Sleep Disorders Center staff isdedicated to meet your needs and will include you inmaking the best choices concerning your treatment.

The Sleep Testing Process

1. Before ArrivingBefore you arrive, you will receive a “Patient Historyand Assessment” form to fill out. You need to be offall stimulant medication for a minimum of threeweeks before undergoing the multiple sleep latencytest (MSLT) to allow traces of the stimulant to beremoved. Patients who were previously diagnosed asnarcoleptic and take medication need to let thetechnologist know before the test.

2. SensorsSmall electrodes will be attached to your scalp andface to monitor your EEG (brain waves), EKG (heartrate), eye movement and muscle activity. Small sensorswill be taped near your nose and mouth, and two beltswill be placed around your chest and abdomen tomonitor breathing. Another small sensor will be clippedon your finger to monitor blood oxygen levels.

3. Before SleepingOnce you are relaxed in bed, a technologist will do aquick set of sensor calibrations including asking youto blink, swallow, move and hold your breath. If youare being evaluated for a continuous positive airwaypressure system (CPAP), you will try on various masksto find one that is most comfortable.

4. Sleep TestTry to fall asleep after all pre-testing is completed. Ifyou need anything during the night, use the intercomto ask a staff member for help.

5. In the MorningThe staff will wake you and remove the sensors, and atechnologist will ask you questions about your sleep.If you are in for a CPAP evaluation, staff will alsoevaluate how well you slept using the CPAP machine.

6. Additional Testing and Final ReportSome patients will have an additional test during theday called a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) tomeasure the degree of daytime sleepiness. The SleepDisorders Center will provide a full written report toyour physician in about a week to 10 days. Please makesure you follow up with your physician and share yourtest results.

1111 Duff AvenueAmes, Iowa 50010

515-956-2979

Mary Greeley Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission.All facilities and grounds of Mary Greeley Medical Center are tobacco free.

Preparing for Your Visit in the Sleep Disorders Center Your Appointment

Name

Admission day

Admission time

Doctor

Procedure

Services and programs of Mary Greeley Medical Center are available to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, diagnosis or age.

S l e e p D i s o r d e r s C e n t e r5 1 5 - 2 3 9 - 2 3 5 3

www.mgmc.org

Sleep DisordersCenter

Welcome to Mary Greeley

Medical Center’s

Sleep Disorders Center

SleepDisorderBro_01 6/19/09 1:26 PM Page 1

CPAP Treatment

If you are suspected to have obstructive sleep apnea, acondition in which you may actually quit breathing forshort periods of time during sleep due to an airwayobstruction, you may be instructed to use a device calleda continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Thismachine is a small, quiet air compressor attached to along tube with a mask that fits around the nose. It usesair pressure to stop obstructive apnea and snoring to help you sleep better.

For most patients the CPAP system rapidly improves theirsleep. If CPAP treatments are successful, your doctor willarrange for a home healthcare supplier to work with youin setting up your system at home.

MSLT Testing

Your doctor may have ordered a multiple sleep latency test(MSLT) which measures the degree of your daytimesleepiness. This test is normally done the day following anight test in the center and uses the same electrodes as thenight sleep test, but without the respiratory or belt sensors.The technologist will record how long it takes you to fallasleep at various times during the day. The test is recordedwith the patient wearing comfortable street clothes ratherthan pajamas.

Between tests you are free to visit the public areas of themedical center. You may bring along something to read,watch TV, go on walks or eat. The things you cannot doare fall asleep or drink anything with caffeine in it.

Preparing for Your Visit

You will have your own private room with a bathroomand shower. Technologists will evaluate you by using acomputer and video in another room.

In most cases patients are in the center from about 9 p.m.to 7 a.m. Some patients require multiple consecutivenights of sleep study or testing the day after.

Upon arrival, please check in at the EmergencyDepartment entrance. You will be directed then to the Sleep Disorders Center located on the second floor of the medical center.

Checklist for Your Sleep Study Appointment

q All evening medication should be taken priorto arrival to the center.

q Your pajamas and pillow.

(Note: Staff will be using glue to apply theelectrodes used to monitor you during yoursleep and do not want to ruin your clothing.If this test is for a child, please bring along ablanket, stuffed animal or other favorite item.)

q Personal hygiene items.

q Insurance information and Social Securitynumber.

q Your completed copy of the PatientAssessment and History.

q If available, a written description of yoursymptoms from a family member, spouse or partner.

q A list of activities you have used to treat yoursleep problem – either on your own or at aprofessional’s recommendation.

Follow-up

After the study it is very important that you discussyour test results with your doctor. The consultationmay take place over the phone or at the office,depending on your doctor.

If you do not have a return visit scheduled or havenot received a call from your doctor within twoweeks of your sleep study, call him or her to discussyour results.

Preparing for Your Visit in the Sleep Disorders Center

Notes

Remember to check in at the Emergency Department entrance. If you have any questions, please call 515-239-2353 between

8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SleepDisorderBro_01 6/19/09 1:26 PM Page 2