Download our Sleep Lab Questionnaire, complete the checklist and mail it to Sleep Disorders Services. A specialist will call and discuss treatment options with you.
Evaluations
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Sleep Disorders Center provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing sleep apnea and other disorders. Many health insurance companies cover the cost of testing for sleep disorders and often pay for the equipment necessary for prevention and treatment. Inquire with your insurance company for details about your coverage.
Overnight Sleep Study FAQs
What is an overnight sleep study?
An overnight sleep study (nocturnal polysomnogram) is a recording of brain waves (EEG), eye movements, certain kinds of muscle activity, cardiac activity, respiratory activity, nasal and oral breathing, snoring and blood oxygen concentration during a regular night of sleep.
Why is an overnight sleep study necessary?
Doctors can learn a great deal about your sleep and waking patterns from a sleep study. An overnight study reveals information about sleep, including how many hours you actually slept, how often you woke up, what stages and depths of sleep you went through during the night and whether you had normal rapid eye movement (REM) sleep involving dreaming.
The study also permits grading of unusual muscle activity (such as muscle jerks), unusual brain activity (such as mild seizures), unusual cardiac activity, variations in blood oxygen concentration throughout the study and especially unusual respiratory activity (such as sleep apnea including the momentary stopping of breathing).
Is the test valid if I am not able to sleep in these unusual circumstances?
Yes. Most people do not sleep as well in a sleep center as they would at home. In most cases, we can still get the information we need, even if you don't sleep as well as you normally do.
Does it hurt?
No. We gather all the information we need through noninvasive surface contact electrodes. No needles are used, and there is nothing painful about the test.
How are the electrodes attached?
We use various types and sizes of surface electrodes, which are like small metal cups. Normally, we apply electrodes with non-allergic conductive paste and gauze pieces to several places on your head. No hair will be shaved. Electrodes are also attached to your chin, near the eyes, on the shoulder and to both shins. If we are recording your respiration, we'll ask you to wear a small probe around your nose and mouth.
Bands are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing. Finally, we may apply a probe to your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. There is no pain, although occasionally, some patients consider the electrodes to be a nuisance or slightly uncomfortable.
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Studies Available at the Center
We perform the following sleep studies:
Overnight Sleep Studies
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center performs the following overnight studies (daytime tests may be scheduled for shift workers):
Nocturnal Polysomnogram
The nocturnal polysomnogram (NPSG) is considered the “gold standard” tool for use in diagnosing sleep disorders. The NPSG is commonly ordered for patients with excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, morning headaches, chronic fatigue, REM behavior disorder and parasomnias that include night terrors, nightmares, sleep walking and bedwetting. Specific information about preparing for an overnight sleep study is available.
Nocturnal Polysomnogram with CPAP
The NPSG with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is performed for treatment of obstructive and mixed sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome and snoring. CPAP systems consist of an airflow generator, air tubing and a nasal mask. Air pushed from the generator through the tubing and mask passes through your nose and into your throat, where the slight pressure keeps your upper airway open without interfering with breathing. CPAP is considered the most effective noninvasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Nocturnal Polysomnogram with BiPAP
The NPSG with BiPAP is performed with people who have difficulty tolerating the NPSG with CPAP or who have a CPAP pressure of higher than 17 cm/H2O. Bilevel therapy works by delivering two different levels of positive air pressure: a higher level of pressure when you inhale and a lower level of pressure when you exhale. BiPAP devices can help people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if they have found CPAP therapy too difficult.
Split Night Sleep Study
The split night sleep study is used to initiate quick treatment for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study consists of two parts: diagnostic tests are performed during the first half of the night and if obstructive sleep apnea is clearly evident, treatment involving the nasal CPAP is administered during the second half of the night. CPAP is administered using an airflow generator, air tubing and a nasal mask. Air pushed from the generator through the tubing and mask passes through your nose and into your throat, which the slight pressure keeps your upper airway open without interfering with breathing. CPAP is considered the most effective noninvasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Call the Sleep Lab for specific criteria for the split night sleep study.
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Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
The multiple sleep latency test is a recording of brain waves, eye movements and muscle activity and EKG during five 20-minute nap periods scheduled throughout the day in two-hour intervals. Used to rule out narcolepsy, cataplexy and idiopathic hypersomnolence, the MSLT can accurately assess daytime sleepiness by measuring the length of time required to fall asleep during each nap (sleep latency).
It also measures rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (or dreaming) and the latency to REM sleep on each nap. By sampling sleep latency five times during the day, we can obtain a profile of your daytime sleepiness.
When is an MSLT indicated?
An MSLT is indicated for people with complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness or with a history of falling asleep inappropriately during the day. An MSLT is especially important for people whose polysomnogram overnight study results were normal, but who continue to experience daytime sleepiness, for example, people with narcolepsy.
Usually, the MSLT is scheduled the day after the overnight study, in which case you'll remain in the hospital throughout the test (the entire night and the following day). Some of the electrodes used in your overnight study will be removed, while those on the head and around the eyes, chin and the chest will be left on for the MSLT.
What about medications?
Since an MSLT is very sensitive to certain types of medication such as stimulants or antidepressants, you'll be instructed on their use or withdrawal well before the date of your study, by your physician.
Should I stay awake between nap periods?
It is important that you try to stay awake throughout the day of your test, except during nap periods. Therefore, when your overnight study is completed, you'll be asked to remain out of bed until the time of the first nap. You'll also be asked to stay up between successive naps throughout the day (approximately two hours apart). You may read, walk, eat regular meals (without caffeine) for the duration of your stay in the hospital. You may want to bring a book or something to keep you occupied during the day. Meals will be provided during the nap study.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)
The MWT is used to determine a patient's ability to remain awake in the daytime. You'll be asked to schedule an entire day, during which your brain waves, eye movements and muscle activity will be recorded during 20- or 40-minute nap periods scheduled in two-hour increments. Preparations are similar to those for the MSLT. A nighttime test may be scheduled for those whose work schedule requires them to be awake during the night.
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Scheduling an Overnight Sleep Study
Physicians
To schedule a study for a patient, fax the following to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital's Scheduling Department at 281-929-4710:
- Physician order for the study
- Patient's demographic sheet including address, phone, Social Security Number and date of birth
- Copy of patient's insurance card (both sides)
- Insurance authorization
- History and physical (or physician's office visit notes)
Patients
To schedule a date for your study, call the Scheduling Department at 281-929-6485. Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Physician's order
- Doctor's name, phone number and name of nurse, if known
- Your name, address, phone, SSN and date of birth
- Copy of your insurance card (both sides)
- Insurance authorization
- History and physical provided by the physician's office
View information about insurance affiliates.
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Preparing for a Sleep Study
Come to the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Sleep Lab located on the first floor of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, 11800 Astoria Blvd.
When you arrive, you'll be shown to your private room. Test preparation will begin shortly afterward. The test is painless and begins with the attachment of electrodes to your head, chin, chest and legs, which takes about 45 minutes. You'll then be allowed to relax in your room before bedtime.
You may bring reading material or watch tv in your room. You are also welcome to bring a family member with you, but they will be asked to leave before the beginning of the test.
Bring with you all the items you'll need for an overnight stay. Your private room is equipped with a shower, and towels and soap will be provided. Please bring personal toiletry items and a robe, pajamas, gown or shorts for sleeping.
Each single patient room has a comfortable queen-size bed. You may bring a favorite pillow or blanket.
If you need to be at work the morning after testing, inform the technologist as soon as you arrive to allow him time to take appropriate steps to ensure that you leave on time.
Please eat a good meal before arriving (try not to eat anything unusual), and avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of your study. You will not be served dinner at the center.
Bring with you all the medications you take at night or in the morning. Do not take any optional medications such as sleeping pills, antihistamines or tranquilizers that you're not required to take on a daily basis. If you're uncertain about which medications to take, check with your doctor.
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Billing and Fees
You will be charged two separate fees for each sleep study. You'll receive a bill from Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital for your procedure. Physician fees for interpretation of test results will be charged directly by the interpreting physician. Your referring physician's office will arrange insurance authorization for the study.
Cancellations
Notify the Sleep Disorders Center 24 hours before your appointment for any time changes or cancellation. This is very important due the number of people waiting to schedule sleep studies. If your appointment is not confirmed 24 hours in advance, we may reschedule you for the next available opening.
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For Help with Additional Questions
Call Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 281-929-4780. Please leave a voicemail message if no one answers. We'll return your call as soon as possible.
Sleep Disorders Center
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital
11800 Astoria Blvd
Houston, TX 77089
281-929-4780 (phone)
281-929-4772 (fax)
713-222-CARE (2273) for physician referral and information
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