Welcome to the Sleep Medicine Program at Raleigh Neurology Associates! The below information should answer your general questions regarding your scheduled study but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.
For a Spanish version of this information, click here. Para una versión en español de esta información, haga clic aquí.
Your sleep study and follow up appointments have been scheduled and the appointment information has been emailed or texted to you along with any necessary questionnaires. If you are not able to access the link sent to you or if it has expired, please call us to resend; we are happy to help. The details on your appointment date, time, and location are always accessible on your patient portal.
When you arrive for your scheduled sleep study at either our Raleigh or Durham office, please ring the doorbell under the speaker to the right of the front double doors. The sleep staff will reply via speaker with entry instructions. Once you enter the waiting area, just have a seat and one of our staff will be with you shortly to assist. If you have a ride to pick you up the following morning, please have them plan to arrive by 6:30am.
The average time to process your study results is ten working days and the results will be thoroughly reviewed with you by your care team at your follow-up visit. Your results will also be faxed to the physician who referred you to us for testing. No sleep results will be given by phone.
We look forward to your visits with us and will make every effort to ensure that your experience with our Sleep Medicine Program is both pleasant and beneficial. Please feel free to call us at 919-782-3456 with any questions. If you need assistance after normal phone business hours of 8am-4pm on the night of your study, call the sleep lab directly at 919-420-6086. *Please note that our technologists do not arrive until at least 6:15pm and may be helping another patient and may not be able to answer the phone right away. If there is no answer immediately, we recommend trying your call again after a few minutes.
Sincerely,
Sleep Medicine Program at Raleigh Neurology Associates in Raleigh & Durham
Raleigh Sleep Lab: 1540 Sunday Drive-Ste 208, Raleigh, NC 27607
Durham Sleep Lab: 4111 Ben Franklin Blvd, Durham, NC 27704
SLEEP TESTING INFORMATION
PREPARATION FOR YOUR NIGHT IN THE SLEEP LAB:
For your comfort and to ensure a high-quality study, it is important to review the following information carefully.
If you have ANY questions, please reach out to your provider’s team at 919-782-3456 or through your secure patient portal.
If it is the night of your study and after our normal business hours, you can call 919-420-6086 to reach our sleep tech team.
- On the day of your study, bathe and wash your hair. This will remove the oils from your skin and hair, which might otherwise interfere with the sleep study. If you normally bathe at night, please do so before coming to the lab. Refrain from the heavy use of makeup, moisturizer or lotion, hairspray, hair oils, or other hair products prior to your arrival. You may wear deodorant. We also recommend that you remove fingernail polish/artificial nails from 1-finger and any hair extensions if reasonably possible.
- Consumption of caffeinated beverages and non-prescription drugs should be per your usual routine unless directed otherwise by your provider. (Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolates, and some non-prescription medications.)
- Ask Us About Regular Alcohol Use: If you regularly consume alcohol before bedtime and this was not previously discussed with your provider, contact your clinical team before the date of your study. A member of the clinical team will need to discuss your usual alcohol consumption and provide instructions for the night of your study. Do not bring or consume alcohol in the sleep lab unless this has been discussed and approved in advance.
- Take Your Usual Prescription Medications: Take your usual prescription medications unless your provider has instructed you differently. Bring all your prescription medications to the sleep lab and show them to your technologist. Do not take sleep medication before arriving at the lab. Bring it with you and follow the instructions provided by the technologist.
- Bring Any Over-the-Counter Medication You May Need: The sleep lab does not provide over-the-counter medications. Bring any medication you may need, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), antacids, or nasal decongestants.
- Do Not Nap: Do not nap on the day of your study unless you have discussed it with your Raleigh Neurology Sleep Medicine provider.
- Eat Before You Arrive: Eat your evening meal before coming to the sleep lab. You may also bring a non-perishable snack and water bottle if you would like.
- Smoking is NOT allowed in the sleep lab: If you believe you will be unable to complete the study without smoking, contact your clinical team before your appointment to discuss whether an accommodation can be made.
- Friends and family members may not remain in the testing or waiting area during the study. Exceptions are made for:
• A parent or guardian accompanying a minor
• A caregiver assisting an adult with special needs
If an exception applies to you, contact us before the study so arrangements can be made. - Medical or Special Needs–Contact us before your study if you:
• Have diabetes and must eat at specific times
• Have mobility, communication, or accessibility needs
• Need assistance with personal care
• Have another medical or special need that may affect the study
• Have a service animal: To help us prepare accommodations for your overnight study, we appreciate advance notice when a patient plans to bring a service animal. During the study, the animal must remain under your control and may not interfere with patient care, staff duties, or medical equipment. We follow all guidelines in accordance with ADA standards. Contacting us in advance helps us make appropriate arrangements. - If you develop an illness such as severe nasal congestion, a significant cold, persistent coughing, or other problem which may interfere with your sleep prior to your study, contact your provider right away for advisement. If it is the night of your study and after our normal business hours, you can call 919-420-6086.
- Each patient receives individual attention while the monitoring equipment is applied. Because setup times vary, you may experience a short wait in your bedroom before your study begins. We appreciate your patience and will make every effort to minimize your wait.
ITEMS TO BRING TO THE SLEEP TESTING AREA:
Please bring the following items with you:
1. CPAP Equipment: If you currently use CPAP, bring your CPAP machine and mask.
2. Prescription Medications: Bring all your prescription medications and show them to your technologist.
3. Dentures or Oral Devices: Bring any dentures, retainers, mouthguards, or other oral devices you normally use while sleeping.
4. Comfortable Two-Piece Sleepwear: Bring loose-fitting, two-piece sleepwear, such as cotton pajamas, a sweat suit, or a T-shirt with shorts or pants. Do not wear a one-piece nightgown or clothing made from silk or another slippery material. You may also bring a robe and slippers. Other patients may be undergoing testing during your time in the lab. You may see other patients and sleep technologists, and they may see you, when you are outside your private bedroom.
5. Favorite Bedding, If Desired: We provide pillows and linens. You are welcome to bring a favorite blanket or pillow. Additional blankets are available upon request.
6. Shower Items: A shower is available in your testing room to use the morning after your study. We provide a shower amenity kit on request along with towels and/or washcloths. Just ask your technologist if you need any of these items.
7. Personal Comfort Items: Prepare as though you were spending the night in a hotel room. There are no televisions in the bedrooms, but Wi-Fi is available. You may want to bring:
• A book or electronic reader
• A tablet or other electronic device
• Other small items that will help you feel comfortable
SLEEP LAB PROCEDURES:
1. Getting Ready for the Study
Your technologist will apply the monitoring equipment. After setup, you may enjoy your regular pre-bed routine until the study begins. There are no televisions in the bedrooms, but Wi-Fi is available.
2. Morning Departure
Most overnight studies end between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. You may shower and leave after the study unless you are scheduled for an MSLT or another daytime test.
3. Your Bedroom
You will sleep on a queen-size mattress in a private, climate-controlled room designed to feel as much like a bedroom as possible.
4. Dream Monitoring
The equipment records many physical signs and can show when you are dreaming. It cannot monitor or record the content of your dreams.
5. Help During the Night
A technologist will monitor you through a microphone throughout the study. If you need assistance, speak aloud and the technologist will respond. If you need to use the bathroom, the technologist can quickly disconnect and reconnect the monitoring equipment.
TEST DESCRIPTIONS:
1. OVERNIGHT SLEEP STUDY–NOCTURNAL POLYSOMNOGRAM (NPSG):
An overnight sleep study, also called a nocturnal polysomnogram or NPSG, is the most common test used to diagnose sleep disorders. It records your sleep and looks for anything that may disrupt normal sleep.
During the study, we will use:
• Small electrodes attached to your scalp, neck, legs, and chest
• Elastic belts placed around your chest and abdomen
• Airflow sensors placed under your nose
• An oxygen sensor placed on one finger
The study is also recorded using an infrared camera and microphone. The video and audio allow the technologist to monitor your safety and document movements or sounds that may be important to your study.
The study lasts approximately six to eight hours.
If certain clinical criteria are met during the first two to three hours, the technologist may wake you to begin CPAP therapy. This possibility will be discussed with you before your study begins. You will also be asked to complete a consent form before CPAP can be used.
2. CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP):
Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, helps you breathe while sleeping. A bedside CPAP machine gently delivers room air through tubing connected to a soft mask.
CPAP is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and may also eliminate snoring.
3. MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY TEST (MSLT):
A Multiple Sleep Latency Test, or MSLT, is a daytime nap test that measures how sleepy you are. It is usually performed after an overnight sleep study.
Qualifying for the MSLT
You must get enough sleep during your overnight study to qualify for the MSLT. If you do not get enough sleep, the MSLT may need to be canceled.
We may allow you additional time to sleep to help you qualify. If that happens, your nap schedule and departure time will be later.
What to Expect
If you qualify, you will complete five 20-minute nap opportunities. Each nap begins approximately two hours after the previous nap.
Typical adult schedule:
• Wake around 6:00 a.m.
• Naps around 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Typical pediatric schedule:
• Wake around 8:00 a.m.
• Naps around 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Your actual schedule may vary. You will usually leave the lab about one hour after your final nap begins.
Food and Activities:
We do not provide meals or snacks. Please bring your own food. Your technologist can place food in a refrigerator and heat it in a microwave for you. You may also
order from a food delivery service. Wi-Fi is available. Please bring books, electronics, or other quiet activities to help you remain awake between naps.
Urine Drug Screening
If you are scheduled for an MSLT or a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), you will be asked to complete a urine drug screen. Certain medications and substances can affect test results. The screening information helps the physician interpret your study accurately.