St. Joseph's Hospital - Highland Services Sleep Disorders Sleep Study
St. Joseph Highland - woman sitting up in bed holding her head

What is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study is a painless, noninvasive test that measures your body’s function during sleep for the purpose of diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder. It enables a sleep specialist and your physician to determine a treatment plan that will help you sleep well, be refreshed and live a healthier life.

There are two components to a sleep study:

 

 

  • First, a diagnostic portion, where we will monitor your breathing, brain wave activity, heart rate, body movements and blood oxygen levels while you sleep.

  • Second – should your diagnostic test suggest sleep apnea – may be to apply CPAP (Constant Positive Airway Pressure) in the lab while you sleep. This “titration” study is to determine the best settings for CPAP therapy should you require it. NOTE: There are different methods of treatment available, depending on the type of sleep disorder you have.

Occasionally, both portions of the test are performed in one evening, but some patients require a second night for the titration study. If the results show that you would benefit from CPAP therapy, you will likely be scheduled for a return visit for the titration study.

 

 

What can I expect in an overnight sleep study?

 

If you are scheduled for an overnight stay at the HSHS St. Joseph’s Center for Sleep Medicine (located on the second floor of the Medical Office Building), you will receive specific instructions for your visit. While you are here, you will have:

 

  • An extremely comfortable hotel-style suite with flat screen TV

  • A private suite equipped with blackout shades to ensure more restful sleep

  • A private bathroom with shower, shampoo and body wash

  • A queen-size Sleep Number® bed that can be adjusted for firmness, plus a recliner

  • An inviting breakfast nook

What happens after my sleep study?
After the study, a sleep specialist will review the results and make appropriate recommendations to your physician.

Virtual Tour

 

If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your physician to refer you to St. Joseph’s Center for Sleep Medicine. For more information, call 618-651-2736 or take the virtual tour below.

 

What are the treatment options for sleep disorders?

 

The options depend on the type of sleep disorder that is diagnosed as a result of your sleep study. You and your physician will work together to determine what treatment is right for you. Common treatment options include:

  • CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – a CPAP delivers pressurized room air through a nasal mask to keep the airway open and prevent it from collapsing during sleep.

  • Dental – custom-made dental appliances reposition the lower jar and tongue, allowing the free flow of air.

  • Surgical – removal of tonsils, adenoids, nasal polyps and structural deformities.

  • Pharmaceutical – prescriptions to manage sleep disorders.

  • Sleep Hygiene – a sleep routine you follow every night to aid rest.

  • Health & Wellness – weight loss, exercise and nutritional counseling.

  • Behavioral Counseling – strategies to help you overcome a sleep disorder.