Sleep Lab
Approximately 18 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common but often undiagnosed sleep order. OSA is a life-altering, sometimes life-threatening, condition that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. As a result, the body does not get enough oxygen.
Easy-to-identify signs and symptoms associated with OSA include snoring, choking or gasping for breath while you sleep, fatigue and weight fluctuation. Additional symptoms include morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability and memory loss.
The good news is that OSA is treatable and there is relief. San Leandro Hospital's Sleep Lab conducts overnight studies of patients that include trials of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which is the most common treatment for OSA. The sleep study and its analysis and interpretation are part of a complex process. Many hours of studies are required by specially trained professionals, such as sleep technologists, who "score" the large amount data recorded during the study. The information is then interpreted by Dr. Ratnasothy Rajah, San Leandro Hospital's physician interpreter, who specializes in sleep medicine.
Why Do I Need a Sleep Study
In order to fully understand your sleep and any problems with it, it is important to monitor various brain activities and body systems and their relationships throughout the night. After the study, a sleep specialist will review and interpret the record to help you and your physician understand your specific sleep patterns. Treatment recommendations will be made if evidence of a sleep disorder is found.
Back to top
What Happens When I Arrive at the Sleep Lab?
When you arrive at the lab - usually between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. - the technician will greet you and show you to your bedroom. You will be shown the equipment, all designed to ensure your comfort, and have the opportunity to ask questions. You should inform the technician of any changes in your sleep or specific difficulties you have not already discussed with your healthcare professional.
You will have time to change into nightclothes and get ready for bed as you do at home. There may be a waiting period before the technician applies the electrodes, and you can read, watch TV or relax during this time. If you have a commitment in the morning, be sure to inform the sleep technician beforehand so that a wake-up call can be arranged. Your wake-up time should also be confirmed when you arrive at the sleep center.
While you are sleeping, various important body functions and measurements are recorded. The technician will monitor your sleep throughout the night from a nearby room. If a breathing problem is observed during the study, the technician may awaken you to ask to try a device that treats breathing problems during sleep. This device, called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), includes a small mask that fits around your nose or your nose and mouth. If you will be trying the CPAP during your sleep study night, the technician will adjust the mask in advance to make sure it fits comfortably.
Back to top
What Happens After My Study Is Complete?
Be sure to inquire before your study about scheduling a follow-up visit. You will probably have a follow-up visit with your healthcare professional to discuss the results and recommendations for your treatment. Some healthcare professionals prefer that you wait until the sleep study results are available before the follow-up appointment is scheduled.
Note that sleep study results are not generally discussed over the telephone because of their complex nature. To fully understand the results of your sleep study, their implications and any treatment recommendations that are made, you should meet face-to-face with your healthcare professional.
Additional procedures are occasionally needed to establish a diagnosis or evaluate a treatment. Your healthcare professional will advise you if you need this.
Back to top
Contact Us
The Sleep Lab is located on the second floor in San Leandro Hospital. Currently, two studies are run during the week with three or four nights available for scheduling. Most insurances do not require pre-authorization, just a physician's order or symptoms.
For more information, contact the Cardiopulmonary Department at (510) 667-4503.
Back to top
