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About sleep studies
Everything you always wanted to know about a sleep study.*
* and why there's no need to study for it.
Q. What's a sleep study?
A. By measuring your body's functions while you're sleeping, sleep physicians are able to determine if your body is getting the sleep it needs. A detailed sleep study takes place in a sleep lab. During the study (technically, it's called a polysomnogram), a health care professional will monitor what's happening while you sleep, including your breathing, heartbeat, dreaming and eye and leg movements.
Thanks to recent advancements, some sleep studies now take place in your home, allowing you to sleep in your own bed while connected to special equipment that monitors some of your body's functions.
Q. How does a sleep study work?
A. A few small sensors are placed on the surface of your skin around the chest, stomach, legs and head. And while you sleep, our state-of-the-art equipment monitors your actions. The process is painless and most people have no problem sleeping in our comfortable environment.
Q. Why has my doctor ordered this study?
A. Even though you may appear to sleep without any problems, your physician is concerned that you may have some signs or symptoms of a sleeping problem. These include snoring, heart disease, high blood pressure and even sleepiness.
Q. Who is affected by sleep disorders?
A. Men. Women. Kids. Seniors. Even in-shape professional football players. However, some people have a higher risk, including those with:
cardiovascular problems
diabetes
obesity
Q. What is obstructive sleep apnea?
A. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is when you stop breathing or your breathing slows down significantly while you're sleeping. This happens because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into your lungs. As it only happens when you sleep, the only way to know if you're affected by it is to have a sleep study done.
Q. What is the treatment for OSA?
A. Untreated sleep disorders can put you at risk for a number of serious health conditions, even death. That's why it's so important to manage it. Mild sleep apnea frequently can be overcome through weight loss or by preventing the person from sleeping on his or her back. Other people may need special devices or surgery to correct the obstruction. People with sleep apnea should never take sedatives or sleeping pills, which can prevent them from awakening enough to breathe.
Q. Why LifeLine Sleep Centers?
A. Nobody in the region has more experience with sleep disorders. And we've designed our centers with you in mind.
Certified sleep technicians
Board-certified sleep physician
Comfortable hotel-like rooms with cable TV
Special accommodations for families
Flexibility, since we accept nearly all insurance plans
Q. If I need a device, how will I get it?
A. The LifeLine team can connect you with all the treatment options and equipment you need. However, you're free to choose any homecare provider you like. Just let us know and we can help you make arrangements.
Q. How soon after my second study will I get my equipment?
A. If you are to, your set up appointment will be scheduled approximately two weeks after your titration sleep study. If you are unable to schedule this on the night of your titration, LifeLine will contact you once the interpretation is received from the sleep physician regarding your choice of homecare provider, 10- 14 business days following your titration study.
Q. What if I have questions, problems or concerns?
A. Call us. As the region's leading sleep center, we focus only on sleep. And we've helped thousands of people in Western Pennsylvania sleep better. We look forward to helping you sleep well, too.
Q. How sleepy are you?
A. Feeling sleepy during the daytime is one way to determine if you're faced with sleep issues. Others include snoring, insomnia and even mood or behavior changes. Click here and determine your level of daytime sleepiness.
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