Sleep Disorders Center of the Finger Lakes
at F.F. Thompson Hospital
How is my sleep monitored?
You will be asked to come to the sleep center at approximately 8 p.m. After you are “ready for bed,” a technician will place sensors on strategic spots on your body’s skin surface, a painless procedure. These sensors are connected to a polygraph, located in another room, which will make a recording of your sleep. This recording will include brain activity, eye movements, chin movements, heart activity, breathing effort and blood oxygen saturation.
“But how will I sleep?!”
While sleeping with sensors attached may sound uncomfortable, in a few minutes you’ll be no more aware of them than you would be of a bandage. You’ll be able to move around freely in bed and if you need to get up, you can ask for help from the technician in an adjacent room. In some cases, you may be asked to schedule more than one night in the Center. While you may not sleep as well as you do at home, most people get enough sleep in the Center to have their sleep problems assessed.
What are the rooms like?
Patients who come to the Center may be surprised to find a suite that has all the amenities of a nice hotel: a comfortable bed, tasteful furnishing and attentive customer care - right down to the mint on your pillow when the bed is turned down. An intercom is on at all times so that you can talk to the technician in the adjacent room. A video camera may be used to observe your sleep throughout the night. The video may help document unusual body or leg movements or difficulty in breathing. This documentation provides useful diagnostic information. If you feel particularly uncomfortable about being filmed while you sleep, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns in advance.
What do I need to bring?
Bring nightclothes that you are used to rather than new ones, to help you feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar setting of the sleep center. Two-piece pajamas make it easier for the technician to apply the sensors while respecting your privacy. You may also wish to bring your own pillow; many people find it helps them sleep more easily.
You should also bring personal toiletry articles, clothing for the next day, something to read or work on if you expect to be awake during part of the test time, and any medications that you must take regularly.
We’ll provide bed linens and towels. Showers are available for your use after testing is complete. We can also make arrangements for breakfast if you wish. You will not be given any drugs to help you sleep. Please refrain from alcohol and beverages containing caffeine for 8 hours prior to your visit.
What happens next?
After your stay at the center, your sleep recording will be reviewed and analyzed. Then you’ll have a follow-up meeting and consultation to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
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