Patients are first seen in our Sleep Disorders Clinic, by one of our physicians who are fellows of the American Sleep Disorders Association. Patients are then scheduled for an overnight sleep study. The night of the study, the sleep technicians apply a number of electrodes on the head and skin to record various activities (brain wave, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing through the mouth and nose, snoring, heart rate and leg movements). Flexible elastic belts will be placed around the chest and abdomen to measure breathing and a pulse oximeter is typically clipped to the index finger as well. All of these areas are monitored during the study.

Should the sleep technician observe a breathing problem through the night, he/she may awaken the patient to try a device that treats breathing problems. Typically, the study is videotaped so that it can be observed, if need be, during the staging and scoring of the study. Once the study is completed, a follow-up appointment is scheduled in clinic to discuss and review the study and all appropriate recommendations.

Throughout the process, the referring physician is sent all reports with recommendations.

Typical OSA Patients
Normally, patients that will be given the OSA test are pediatric (three plus years of age) through the geriatric population. For the pediatric patients (three through 15 years of age) a parent or guardian is to stay on the St. Rita's campus throughout the night. Arrangements can be made in advance to stay in one of the nearby examination rooms. Unless the child is very young, parents/guardians are discouraged from staying in the same room/bed as the child.

For all others, every attempt will be made to meet any special needs any patients might have.

What You Should Know Prior to the Test
On the day of the study, caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate) should be avoided after 2:00 pm. All medications should be taken as usual. Before coming in for the study, hair should be washed and dried, however no hair products (hair spray, gels or oils) should be used. It is suggested that the patient pack an overnight bag for his/her comfort. In addition, patients are permitted to bring their own pillow if they feel they will sleep better.

All patients are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to their appointment time. They are to report to Outpatient Registration and will be given directions to the department once registration is completed.