CHI Memorial Regional Sleep Center - Atrium

A sleep study monitors your brain activity, breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels and movements while you sleep. It helps diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep disorders. A typical sleep study involves more than 800 pages of data of various kinds

You’ll sleep overnight in a private, comfortable room that includes cable TV and a private bathroom. We’ll monitor your body functions while you sleep/ Our team reviews the data to diagnose and recommend treatment.

If you experience symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, difficulty staying asleep or chronic fatigue, your doctor may recommend a sleep study.

Bring comfortable sleepwear, toiletries and any nighttime medications. T-shirts and shorts or pajamas are acceptable. If you prefer a gown, please wear shorts or pajama pants underneath. You’re welcome to bring slippers, a robe and your phone. However, we will ask you to turn off your phone when testing begins.

Most overnight sleep studies last 6-8 hours, depending on your usual sleep schedule. All tests begin at 10 p.m., and your technologist will wake you between 5 and 5:30 a.m., unless other arrangements have been made by your physician prior to testing,

Your time with us is limited, so we ask that you follow these instructions to ensure a smooth and effective study. To prepare for a sleep study, you should:

• Leave valuables at home

• Eat dinner before arriving for your test. You may bring a light snack if needed. Note: Only water will be available at the sleep center.

• Bathe, wash and dry your hair before your visit. Ensure your scalp and skin are clean and free of oils, makeup and moisturizers, as these can interfere with the setup and study.

• Avoid using leave-in conditioners, hairspray, hair oils, gel or mousse on the day of your study. If you use conditioner, make sure it is rinsed out. Remove any hairpieces or extensions before testing to ensure proper contact with your scalp.

• Remove nail polish and artificial nails before your study.

• If you have a beard or mustache, there is no need to shave. However, avoid applying moisturizers to your face if you shave on the day of testing.

• Bring comfortable clothing to sleep in. T-shirts and shorts or pajamas are acceptable. If you wear a gown, please also wear shorts or pajama pants underneath. Slippers and a robe are welcome for additional comfort.

• Continue taking all prescribed and over-the-counter medications as usual unless your physician advises otherwise. Bring all prescription bottles with you so the technologist can verify them upon arrival.

• Avoid caffeine after noon on the day of your test. Do not consume alcohol on the day of the study.

When you arrive at the sleep center, you will complete some paperwork and sign consent forms, including a video release form, as the study involves digitally recording your sleep.

Throughout the night, we will monitor various physiological channels, including brainwave activity, airflow, respiratory effort, oxygen levels, EKG and body movements. The setup process, which includes attaching sensors and wires, will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Each technologist will assist two patients during the night, and their time will be divided between the two of you. Your technologist will be available to help with any needs you may have throughout the study.

In the morning, the wires will be removed, and you will be able to shower and prepare to leave unless your physician has ordered additional daytime testing.

In most cases, a referral from your physician or specialist is required. Contact us to confirm your insurance requirements.

Many insurance plans cover sleep studies, but coverage varies. Check with your provider or contact our office for assistance.

If you need to cancel or reschedule testing, contact our center at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled test. Call (423) 495-2394 or (423) 495-5955 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reschedule.

Your results are interpreted by a sleep specialist with special knowledge of sleep and its disorders. Patients who undergo a sleep study will have a follow-up appointment at CHI Memorial Sleep Specialists within one to two weeks. During this visit, a sleep specialist will review and explain your results, helping you understand your unique sleep patterns. Your results will also be shared with your primary physician. If a sleep disorder is identified, the specialist will recommend treatment options. In some cases, additional testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis or assess the effectiveness of a treatment plan.