Any sleep-related problems can be evaluated. One common problem can be insomnia, which includes trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or waking up too early. Some of the more common causes of insomnia are restless leg syndrome (RLS), medication dependency and anxiety/depression. Another common problem is daytime sleepiness, which may be the result of more serious sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and/or narcolepsy.

A sleep disorders evaluation is a comprehensive medical assessment. It may begin with a sleep clinic consultation where you are interviewed by a sleep disorders specialist, or an office visit with your personal physician, who may simply refer you directly for overnight testing. Because diagnosis of many sleep disorders requires you to sleep overnight in our diagnostic facility, CCMH provides sleep rooms that are safe, private and comfortable in a hotel-like setting. Sleep patterns are monitored by applying sensors to the skin's surface which record brain waves, muscle tone, eye movements, heart rate, breathing patterns, and body movements. This monitoring process is painless and a technologist is available all night to assure your comfort. Following any sleep testing, further diagnostic or treatment recommendations will be made by your sleep specialist or personal physician with your involvement and consent.

Overnight sleep testing is a procedure covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Once you have been referred for a sleep disorders evaluation, your referring physician's office should assist you by verifying your coverage and obtaining any precertification or authorization your insurance might require.

Because the evaluations require that sleep patterns be observed at night, you must spend the entire night at the sleep center. You will receive one-on-one attention from the technologist. All sleep rooms at the CCMH Comprehensive Sleep Disorders Center contain a television with a DVD player. You are welcome to watch television or bring a DVD. You are asked to arrive at the sleep center between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. (you will be given a specific arrival time). Tests are generally finished by 6 a.m. the following morning. If necessary, special arrangements can be made to conduct and complete sleep testing at different times.

You should bring pajamas, sweats, shorts or any loose-fitting clothing in which to sleep, a bathrobe and slippers, as well as any toiletry items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, razor or shampoo. You may also bring a favorite pillow or blanket if you like. Private in-room showers with bath linens are in each sleep suite. Refreshments (water, juices, coffee, muffins, danishes) are available throughout the night and in the morning. A detailed handout explaining what to expect during your sleep study and what to bring will be given to you when your sleep study is scheduled.

All medications should first be discussed with a physician before making an appointment for a sleep study. Certain medications, such as sleeping pills, stimulants, antihistamines and drugs for anxiety and depression can interfere with the test results, and may need to be discontinued prior to the  evaluation. However, unless instructed by a physician, you should continue to take all medications on the day and night of the sleep study.

Click here to view the Sleep Center brochure.