What goes on during a sleep study? View the step-by-step overview below to learn more about what to expect. Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders 2088 Ogden Avenue, Ste 260 Aurora, IL 60504 630.375.9499 info@midsleep.com CONTACT US > close window & return to site > www.midsleep.com >

Welcome to Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders!

We’re located at 2088 Ogden Ave, Suite 260, in Aurora Illinois. [map >] We can be reached at 630-375-9499.

The secretary will give you an arrival time when your appointment is scheduled. Please bring with you comfortable clothing to sleep in, toiletries, medications you may need take, and a snack or beverage if you wish.

Please be prompt! The building is locked at 9pm. If you are unavoidably delayed, call us at 630-375-9499. A technician will come to the door to let you in.

As you enter the Lab, you will be greeted by a technician who will guide you through a quick registration process. Please make sure to bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and (if you are a managed care patient) your referral.

The technician will guide you to your room. Each room at Midwest is private, and equipped with a Sleep Comfort bed and cable television. The technician will do his/her best to make you comfortable. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like a fan or a “white noise” machine.

Once you’re settled, your technician will sit down with you to take a brief Sleep History. Questions will include your medical history, current medications, sleep schedule, routines, and habits. The technician will then explain the procedure to you, and answer any questions you may have.

When you’re changed and ready for bed, the technician will begin to attach the sensors used through the night. There are quite a few wires, belts, and electrodes. Don’t be intimidated, and don’t hesitate to ask questions! None of these sensors are painful in any way. The hook-up process takes about 25 minutes.

Yes, there are a lot of wires! Each one is important, and serves a specific purpose during your study. Although each study may vary slightly depending on the doctor’s orders, a typical study will include the following:

• The electrodes on the forehead and scalp monitor brain waves, and help us determine the onset and depth of sleep.
• The electrodes placed to the side of each eye help us determine REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep.
• Electrodes placed on the chin are used to record muscle tone.
• The electrodes on the chest determine heart rate and rhythm.
• Belts around the chest and abdomen record breathing effort.
• Electrodes on each leg are used to monitor limb movement, and rule out PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder).
• Airflow (breathing) is recorded with a small temperature-sensitive device placed by the nose and mouth.
• A small sensor on the finger determines the oxygen level in the bloodstream.

The sleep study also includes audio and video monitoring through the night. When you are comfortably settled in bed, the technician will speak to you over the intercom and ask you to perform a series of movements (i.e., open/close your eyes, flex your foot, clench your teeth). This helps the technician determine that all sensors are in place and working properly.

If you should need any help during the night, or need to get up to use the washroom, all you need to do is speak aloud to the technician; he/she will be right there to help.

Occasionally, if a patient meets qualifying criteria, a split night study is done. The first few hours of the test are diagnostic, recording and categorizing the severity of sleep disordered breathing. Once the technician has collected enough data, the patient is awakened briefly and Nasal CPAP is used the rest of the night. (See NCPAP Titration Sleep Study >)

You will be awakened in the morning about 5:00 am. The sensors will be removed, and you will be free to wash up or shower. Water, juice or breakfast bars are available.

You will be given a packet of follow up information as you leave. Your physician will receive a preliminary report the morning following your test, and a final report will follow within 3-4 days. Please note: Your technician is not permitted to discuss your test results. This information must come from your physician.

Thank you for visiting Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders! We are committed to restoring your quality of life by helping you to achieve restful, restorative sleep. If you have any further questions regarding your sleep study, please contact us by email, or call us at 630-375-9499.

Find out about NCPAP Titration Sleep Study >