Frequently Asked Questions
At the Redwood Sleep Center, we realize that you may feel some anxiety concerning your overnight stay. To make your visit as comfortable as possible, we have included a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address as many of your concerns as we can. We urge you to take time to read through these questions and answers in order to get a better idea of how to prepare and what to expect during your stay.
In The Lab
 What is a polysomnogram?
Why do I have to stay overnight?
I work the night shift. Can I come in during the day?
What should I do on the day of the test?
Can I eat before my test?
What should I bring to the Sleep Center for an overnight study?
Will the recording be painful?
Will the recording procedure disrupt my sleep?
Who will be in the laboratory while I am sleeping?
Will I be given a sleeping pill?
Should I continue to take my medications before the test?
Will I just be tested, or will treatment be started in the laboratory?
Can children come in for sleep studies?
Other Questions
What happens to my sleep recording after completion of the test?
Can I get a copy of my test results?
What treatment am I likely to receive after I complete my overnight sleep test?
Sleep Apnea/CPAP
When will I be able to begin home treatment with nasal CPAP?
What is the CPAP apparatus like and how is it applied and adjusted?
Support Groups
Are support groups useful?
Are there support groups for people with my sleep disorder?
Insurance/Payment
Will my insurance pay for my sleep testing?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
In The Lab
What is a polysomnogram?
A polysomnogram records sleep-related information while you sleep. Information recorded during a polysomnogram includes brainwaves, airflow, eye movements, and leg and chin movements. By analyzing the recordings from a polysomnogram, a sleep specialist can make the appropriate diagnosis of your specific sleep disorder.
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Why do I have to stay overnight?
Overnight sleep studies are the "gold standard" used for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders. Overnight studies are necessary in part because sleep patterns may vary throughout the night. In addition, overnight studies are important for detecting more subtle symptoms.
I work the night shift. Can I come in during the day?
Yes. Ideally the sleep study will occur during your normal sleeping time.
What should I do on the day of the test?
Avoid caffeine after noon.
Can I eat before my test?
Yes, eat a normal dinner.
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What should I bring to the Sleep Center for an overnight study?
Reading materials, other things you use to sleep at home are OK.
Can I bring my own pillow?
Yes
Is the equipment noisy?
Shouldn’t be. We try to make it as comfy as possible.
Can I bring earplugs?
Yes.
Will the recording be painful?
No. Leads are placed on the skin to record information but the recording process is non-invasive and is not painful.
Will the recording procedure disrupt my sleep?
People prone to insomnia may experience some interference with sleep. However, the vast majority of patients sleep well enough to have a successful sleep study.
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Who will be in the laboratory while I am sleeping?
To ensure patient safety a sleep technician remains on site and a physician is always on call.
Will I be given a sleeping pill?
Patients who do not usually use sleeping aids will not be given one. However, if you normally take a sleeping pill to fall asleep, then we recommend you bring one to the sleep study.
Should I continue to take my medications before the test?
Yes.
Will I just be tested, or will treatment be started in the laboratory?
Depending on what your physician orders, you may get a full night or split night study. If your physician has ordered a split night study and sleep apneas are detected, then you may receive CPAP therapy as part of the sleep study.
Can children come in for sleep studies?
Please call the sleep center for information regarding a consultation or evaluation of your child. We may be able to help your child directly or we may refer your child to a sleep center that specializes in children.
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Other Questions
What happens to my sleep recording after completion of the test?
We are committed to analyzing data from your sleep study and discussing the results with you or your primary care physician as quickly as possible. The results are reviewed by a sleep scoring technologist and verified by a board certified specialist.
Can I get a copy of my test results?
Yes. Just ask for it.
What treatment am I likely to receive after I complete my overnight sleep test?
The treatment is individualized depending on the clinical situation and results of the sleep study. We recommend that you make an appointment with your referring doctor for two weeks after the sleep study.
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Sleep Apnea/CPAP
When will I be able to begin home treatment with nasal CPAP?
Within days of the sleep study.
What is the CPAP apparatus like and how is it applied and adjusted?
CPAP is a mask that goes over the nose or nose and mouth. Stands for nasal continuous positive pressure. Acts as an airway splint to relieve the obstruction. The least obstructive are nasal pillow devices that go into the nostrils. Because some people strongly prefer one style of CPAP over another, the treatment has to be individualized.
Support Groups
Are support groups useful?
Yes. Support groups can be valuable for learning new information about your sleep disorder and for getting support from people who understand what you are going through.We hope to facilitate support groups eventually. Please let us know if you are interested.
AWAKE meetings
Are there support groups for people with my sleep disorder?
Yes, many support groups exist throughout the United States. We have included several links to web sites that provide a wealth of useful information about various sleep disorders.
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Insurance/Payment
Will my insurance pay for my sleep testing?
The Sleep Center is making every effort to be widely contracted with as many insurance companies as possible. However, since insurance companies vary, please talk to someone at your insurance company before you schedule your sleep study at the Redwood Sleep Center.
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