For Patients

• You will be asked to complete an extensive questionnaire prior to your appointment.
• You may be asked to complete a sleep log for 2 weeks prior to your appointment. This information provides your physician with valuable information to assist in preparing a treatment plan.
• Your physician will perform a general physical examination with special attention to your nasal and oral airways.
• We will provide you with specific instructions at the end of your appointment

• Maintain your usual sleep pattern
• Continue all medications as prescribed. If you have any questions regarding your medications please call your physician
• Do not use illicit or street drugs at least one month prior to your test
• Please eat your dinner normally as you would BEFORE arriving for the test.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to your test
• Do not drink caffeine after 4:00pm on the day of your test
• Avoid high sugar foods and beverages on the day of your test
• Please be sure that you have recently showered and washed your hair. Do not apply lotions, creams, salves hairspray or hair gels, as this will interfere with the electrodes being able to adhere to your skin
• Please remove nail polish
• Bring all medications that you may need during the time of your study. You will need to take these on your own, our technicians do not dispense medications
• You should not take any sleeping medication unless it is prescribed by your physician
• Bring two piece sleep clothes (pajamas, shorts and t-shirt, etc)
• You may bring a robe and slippers, if you wish
• Bring reading materials if you wish. There are TV’s in each room.
• You may bring your own pillow if this assists you in a better nights sleep
• Bring your toiletries and a change of clothing for the next day if desired

• You should arrive at Schuyler Hospital Admissions desk in the Emergency Department at 8:00pm unless otherwise instructed. This is the main entrance adjacent to the Emergency Department
• You must stop and register at the admissions desk
• You will be shown to one of our sleep rooms and be asked to change into your nightclothes
• The technicians will explain the study and will attach the electrodes and monitoring belts.
• These electrodes will be plugged into a box at the head of the bed
• You will be asked to go to sleep by 11:00pm to allow for ample time for sleep
• The technician will review all instructions before asking you to turn out the lights
• There are intercoms and cameras in each room should you need assistance at any time.
• If you need to use the bathroom during your study, the technician will assist you
• At approximately 6:00am you will be asked to rise.
• You may shower and prepare for your day.
  • Prior to your study you should have arranged a follow up visit with your physician to review your study results. If you have not done this, please call for an appointment
  • Should you need further testing or treatment, this will be arranged at your follow up visit.
  • It is recommended that you follow up with your physician frequently until you are comfortable with your treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

• Weight loss and regular exercise.
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol and sedatives
• Sleep-position training. When you are sleeping on your back, your tongue and the tissues in the back of your throat naturally fall back and can block your airway. By using simple techniques to prevent you from sleeping on your back, you may eliminate some of your symptoms.

Medical Treatments

• Positive airway pressure devices or CPAP machines. This therapy uses a specific pressure of air to keep your airway propped open. These machines deliver the air through a mask. There are a multitude of masks. Your sleep technician and homecare agency will help you to find the best mask to meet your needs.
• There are a number of types of PAP machines, including BiPAP and adaptive servo-ventilation, which are used to treat specific types of sleep disorders.
• Oral appliances. These devices work to hold the airway open by moving the jaw or tongue forward. These devices are only effective for those people with mild apnea. These appliances are fit by dentists with specialized training. Generally a sleep study is performed with the device in place to insure proper treatment of your sleep apnea.
• Surgery: There are several surgical treatments available. These are performed by ENT (ear,nose and throat) surgeons. While an operation can be an effective treatment for some patients, it is not the right choice for everyone.

Follow-up Care

• It is important that you receive regular follow up care
• If you are being treated with a PAP machine, you should see your physician on an annual basis or sooner if:
  • You have a 20 lb weight change
  • Experience more snoring
  • Have increased daytime fatigue

There are many ways that you can help yourself to stay awake naturally, without the use of caffeine or over-the-counter stimulants.

Follow these easy ideas:

• Move! Get up frequently and move around. Go for a walk. Get away from your desk.
• Nap! Don’t take more than one a day and do not nap near bedtime. Keep naps between 5-25 minutes. If you can’t nap, just resting with your eyes closed for 10 minutes can help you feel refreshed.
• Relax your eyes! Look away from your computer screen frequently
• Turn on the lights! Keep rooms bright and well lit.
• Breathe! Take periodic deep breaths throughout the day.
• Pull over! If you are drowsy while driving pull over and nap, change drivers and keep fresh air circulating
• Switch! Switch tasks and keep your mind stimulated
• Water! Drink plenty of water, dehydration causes fatigue
• Daylight! Try to get at least 30 minutes of natural daylight. If this isn’t possible, try to get outside for short periods whenever you can.
• Exercise! Regular exercise will increase your energy levels