Getting good rest is essential to having a normal, productive life. Sleeping disorders can affect you at any age and can seriously interfere with your body’s necessary restorative cycles. Union County Hospital’s sleep study program monitors patients’ sleeping patterns to find out why you may be having problems. Your doctor may suggest this treatment if you experience long-term sleeplessness or other recurring problems.

Union County Hospital offers sleep studies performed in conjunction with The Clayton Sleep Institute of St. Louis.

A sleep study is a painless, overnight procedure in which your “sleep behavior” is observed and recorded, including brain waves, breathing, snoring, heart rhythms, leg movements and other physiological data. Your study is monitored by a highly trained technologist who watches the waveforms on a computer screen while you sleep. A specially trained physician will then evaluate the results of the test.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does the study last?
Typically a patient will arrive between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Most patients are free to go the next morning around 6:30 a.m. – 8 a.m. For certain sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, it’s necessary to stay the next day for additional testing. Your doctor will discuss the time required for your testing, in advance.

Can I get up and use the restroom during a study?
You are able to move around and if you need to get up, a technologist will provide instructions, or you may call for the technologist to assist you.

What should I bring?
Comfortable sleepwear, such as pajamas, shorts and a T-shirt; as well as any toiletries you may need and medication you may be currently taking. Feel free to bring a favorite pillow if that will help you feel more at home. Each room has a television, but you may also want to bring a book to read. Please bring food if you are scheduled for daytime testing.

Will my insurance cover my sleep study?
Most major insurance companies, as well as Medicare, provide coverage for sleep studies. Staff will verify coverage prior to your sleep test and contact you if there are any issues.

What if I can’t sleep?
This is a common concern. We provide a comfortable setting to help you feel at home and at ease so getting to sleep won’t be a problem.

Will I be able to go to work after my sleep study?
Showers are available for your convenience, so that you may dress and prepare for your workday here at the lab, if needed. Please communicate this to the staff so they can make sure to awaken you at the appropriate time.

How do I get the results from my test?
Depending on your referring physician’s preferences, your results may be discussed with you the following morning by a sleep specialists, or the staff will fax the results to your referring physician within 24 to 48 hours and your physician will discuss test results with you.

What are the treatments for a sleep disorder?
If it is determined that you have a sleep disorder, a physician or sleep specialist will discuss treatment options with you. The most common disorder identified in a sleep study is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, which involves snoring and cessation of breathing at night. This condition is commonly treated with a CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device. A CPAP is a small mask worn over the nose and/or mouth. The mask provides air pressure that keeps the throat from closing during sleep.