Individuals with sleep-related symptoms should be referred by their physician
for consultation with a member of the Program's medical staff. Those without
a primary care or other referring physician may request an evaluation with us, but
are encouraged to discuss their problems with a primary care physician first.
A sleep study, known as polysomnography, is the standard used to evaluate the quality
of a patient's sleep and to look for respiratory difficulties or other abnormalities
during sleep. Patients sleep in a comfortable, private room during their usual sleep time.
Measurements include "brain waves" (EEG) collected using small electrodes placed on
the scalp; breathing by means of sensors at the nose, mouth and on the chest and abdomen;
oxygen level using a sensor that clips to a finger; an EKG (heart rhythm) recording from
small electrodes on the chest and continuous video recording. A technologist is constantly
in attendance from a remote recording room in the laboratory and may be immediately summoned
for any necessary assistance.