Sleep Studies in St. Louis - St. Louis Heart & Vascular

Everyone feels sleepy at times. However, when sleepiness interferes with daily routines and activities, or reduces the ability to function, it is called “problem sleepiness.” A person can be sleepy without realizing it. For example, a person may not feel sleepy during activities such as talking and listening to music at a party, but the same person can fall asleep while driving home afterward.

You may have problem sleepiness if you:

Consistently do not get enough sleep, or get poor quality sleep
Fall asleep while driving
Struggles to stay awake when inactive, such as when watching television or reading
Have difficulty paying attention or concentrating at work, school or home
Have performance problems at work or school
Are often told by others that you are sleepy
Have difficulty remembering
Have slowed responses
Have difficulty controlling your emotions
Must take naps on most days
Snoring

St. Louis Heart and Vascular has multiple options for the patient with “problem sleepiness” including in-lab sleep studies and in-home sleep monitors. Contact our Sleep Lab to book an appointment to get your questions answered.

Sleep Studies Q&A

Why Should I Consider a Sleep Study?

The National Commission on Sleep Disorders research found that 40 million Americans are chronically ill with various sleep disorders. If not treated, a sleep disorder could lead to:

Heart attacks
Strokes
Car accidents
Problems at home or work

Most sleep disorders are easily treated and can greatly improve your quality of life. The sleep test, or polysomnography, is usually covered by insurance as an outpatient procedure and completed with a short stay in a sleep lab.

What Can I Expect During My Visit?

There is nothing to fear while taking part in a sleep study. When you arrive you will be greeted by a trained sleep technician. He/she will show you to your room, where you should have no trouble feeling comfortable and at home.

Once you are settled in and ready to begin the study, our sleep technician will attach sensors to various areas of your skin with a special paste and tape application. You are free to watch television, read or just relax prior to falling asleep.

How Do I Prepare For My Visit?

On the day of your sleep study:

Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Do not take any naps or sleep in later than usual
Try to follow your normal routine: no excessive exercise, stress or eating
Bring something comfortable to sleep in
Because sensitive sensors will be applied to the skin on your scalp, face, chest and legs, it is important that you shower and thoroughly wash your hair prior to coming in for your test. Do not apply hairspray or other products like hair oils or mousse after you shower
You may bring your own pillow, reading material, or anything else that will make you feel more at home
Please bring the pre-test questionnaire
If you have an illness (even a cold), please contact our office to reschedule your test

If you are taking any medications, please be sure you have discussed them with your doctor since medications (especially sleeping pills, stimulants, antihistamines, and drugs for anxiety or depression) can interfere with test results and might need to be discontinued prior to your test.

You should take all of your usual medications on the day and night of the sleep test unless your physician advises you otherwise. Please remember to bring along a list of all medications you are taking.