Good health requires good sleep

Are you having problems with getting a good night’s rest? Our sleep study rooms located in the hospital provide a soothing and inviting comfortable environment.

The rooms are fully furnished with all the comforts of home, including a recliner, television and warm décor.

A referring physician is required in order for a patient to receive this outpatient service.

How Do I qualify for a split night sleep study?

In order for a split night study to be performed, a patient should meet certain qualifying criteria. Medicare and Medicaid guidelines stipulate that in order for a patient to qualify for treatment of their sleep disorder with CPAP therapy, they must undergo an attended sleep study and have a minimum of two hours of recorded sleep with an apnea/hypopnea index of equal to or greater than 15 events per hour. In other words, a patient should have cessation of breathing occurring at least 15 times an hour during two hours of recorded sleep. Waking periods, or periods that the patient may be in the bathroom are not included in the two hour period.  In a sleep lab setting, it is not always possible for a patient to obtain the minimum two hours of sleep prior to 1:00 in the morning. This is typically the cut-off time, as there needs to be sufficient time allowed for adequate application and titration of the CPAP therapy.

What will happen during the split night study?

Approximately at 1:00 in the morning, a technician will enter the room and apply a nasal mask which is connected to a CPAP unit that will blow room air at varying pressures, depending on the severity of a patient’s sleep disordered breathing. The patient’s sleep apnea will be monitored and the pressures are adjusted until all snoring and sleep apnea has been eliminated during the patient’s five separate stages of sleep.

What is a split night sleep study?

A split night study is a one night sleep study that is a combination of two separate sleep tests. Typically sleep testing includes a diagnostic night in which a patient’s sleep is monitored and potential sleep disorders are identified. A second night sleep study may follow, which allows the patient to undergo treatment for their sleep disorder under the supervision of sleep professionals. Commonly, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is titrated for patients identified with sleep apnea or clinically significant sleep disordered breathing.

What will happen after the split night study?

A sleep specialist will read the exam and a final report will be provided to your referring physician.   For information, please contact your local physician.