The RCG Sleep Center is nationally accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Our physicians and clinical staff use their expertise and the latest technology to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment options.
In our state-of-the-art sleep center, we perform diagnostic sleep testing (polysomnogram) to assist our physicians in evaluating a patients’ unique sleep patterns and to uncover any potential sleep disorders. A sleep study is performed overnight and consists of monitoring sleep in conjunction with a patient’s breathing. Once testing is complete, our physicians will work with the patient to ensure the most appropriate solutions are reached.
What to Expect
Diagnosis of a sleep disorder begins with an office visit where the patient will meet with one of our board certified sleep physicians. During this office visit, a complete evaluation of the patient’s medical history, a focused physical exam and a review of the patient’s symptoms will be obtained to identify the presence of a potential sleep disorder. Testing may be recommended and may include an overnight sleep study. A sleep study (polysomnogram) is an overnight evaluation that measures your brain wave activity, eye movements, breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate and muscle activity through electrodes which are placed on the skin. This does not involve any needles or other uncomfortable instruments.
Those scheduled for a polysomnogram will come to our sleep center in the early evening. They will be greeted by one of our sleep technologists who will escort the patient to their room where they will spend the night. Our Sleep Center provides the ideal setting to evaluate sleep. The sleep rooms are designed similarly to an up-scale hotel room, complete with Sleep Number® beds, private bathrooms (no showers) and flat screen televisions. A few short questionnaires will need to be fill out and a short video on sleep apnea will be shown. Time will be provided to change into sleep clothes and get ready for bed.
The technologist taking care of the patient will return to the room to apply the electrodes. The process of applying the electrodes may take up to 45 minutes as they are meticulously applied. The electrodes and wires will not interfere with the patient’s ability to use the restroom when necessary. After the hook-up the patient is free to go to bed. If they need anything during the night, they just need to ask. All the sleep rooms are equipped with voice activated intercom systems. Wake-up time is around 6:00 am. Once woken, the electrodes are carefully removed and the patient is free to go home. Due to the paste that may still be on the scalp, it is suggested that the patient go home to shower prior to going to work the next morning.
Sleep study reports are available within a week after the study. It is important to schedule a follow-up appointment so that our sleep physicians can deliver test results and discuss options for treatment, if necessary.
We ask any patients with special needs to let us know prior to their arrival to the sleep center.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 678-721-0705.