What to Expect: Sleep Problems & Different Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep studies diagnose sleep problems

A sleep disorders study is a non-invasive, painless test to evaluate your sleep problems. Because there are many types of sleep disorders, this study will help identify the proper treatment for your sleep problems.

A study to evaluate sleep problems can be easily scheduled at one of our two Sleep Disorders Center at Emory Decatur Hospital or Emory Hillandale Hospital. On the evening of your study, we ask you to arrive between 8 and 8:30 p.m. The study will begin about 9:30 p.m. and will end between 5 and 6 a.m. the next morning.

Prior to the sleep study, we will:

Attach small, non-invasive wires to your head, behind your ears, and near your eyes
Place a few electrodes on your chest and legs

The sleep disorders study will monitor your brain waves, heart rhythm, breathing pattern, oxygen level, snoring, leg movements and body position. These measurements will help our staff members determine which one of the many types of sleep disorders you have. Because the electrodes can become displaced if you get up from the bed, we ask that you not get up during the night by yourself. Our staff is always ready to help you.

What to bring

You will need to bring:

Medications
Driver’s license
Insurance card
Snack if needed (a refrigerator is available)
Reading materials
Loose fitting pajamas or a two piece t-shirt and shorts

Prior to your sleep disorders study

Shower before arriving at the Center. Do not apply lotion or grease to your skin or scalp and avoid hairspray, gel or grease for hair. We recommend that you style your hair after the sleep disorders study. Do not wear makeup.

After the sleep disorders study

It normally takes up to seven business days for the final diagnosis to be completed. You will be notified when the interpretation report is final. You can either make an appointment with your referring physician to discuss the cause of your sleep problems or consult with one of our sleep specialists.