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What Is A Polysomnogram (PSG)?
A polysomnogram (PSG) is a sleep study that helps determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder. While you sleep, sleep patterns and behaviors such as brain waves, heart rate and breathing, eye and leg movements, and the oxygen level in your blood are recorded. A PSG can be done at night or during the day and a trained sleep technologist supervises the sleep study.
What Is A Polysomnogram (PSG) with CPAP?
A PSG with CPAP sleep study is the same as a standard PSG, except before going sleep you are fitted with a mask that delivers CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). CPAP is a sleep apnea treatment that delivers mild air pressure into the airways through a mask which keeps the airway open while you sleep. This helps determine the necessary CPAP pressure required to alleviate your apnea.
When you arrive for your sleep study, a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) will be at the site to greet you and show you to your room. After you make yourself comfortable, your technologist will take a brief history, explain the study process, and answer any questions you may have prior to applying the sensors.
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Getting Ready
First, the technologist will use stickers to affix leads on your legs, chest and abdomen.
Next, your head will be marked and measured with a paper ruler and a grease pencil. This is done because each electrode on your head needs to be in a precise location. Once this is complete, a prep solution will be applied to clean the scalp for the electrodes.
Electrodes are then placed on the surface of your scalp with a small amount of paste. The prep, paste, and tape are hypoallergenic.
Next, Velcro belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen. You'll also have a nasal cannula (similar to an oxygen cannula) to monitor your breathing. You will not receive oxygen during your PSG.
This process is completely painless and generally takes about 40 minutes to make sure everything is placed correctly.
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Testing
Once you are fitted with the sensors, you are free to stay in your room where you can relax, watch TV, enjoy high-speed internet, catch up on phone calls or read until Lights Out between 10 - 11pm. You may bring your own food/snacks.
Your technologist will monitor your sleep throughout the study and will be available to answer questions and ensure you’re comfortable.
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Set Time Aside
This is an overnight test. Plan to be at our sleep center overnight until approximately 6 a.m. the next morning.
Wash and Dry Your Hair
Wash and dry your hair thoroughly but do not use conditioners or other hair products.
Hair Accessories
Remove any hair weaves or extensions. We cannot do testing if you have either of these.
Acrylic or Applied Nails
If you have acrylic nails or applied ("fake") nails an index fingernail needs to be removed for the oxygen reading. If you have gel nail polish, the polish from one of the index fingers will need to be removed. Regular nail polish is fine. The oximeter does not read through acrylic or applied nails, nor gel polish.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. You must wear pajamas or two-piece clothing for the test.
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Medications
Bring – and take – all of your normally scheduled medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor or the staff at Ghaly Sleep Center.
Special Requirements and Guests
Notify us of any special needs prior to your arrival. If you are supervising a child or older patient who is having a sleep test, we have rooms equipped with an additional bed. Please let us know in advance if you need special accommodations.
Guests are not permitted to stay in the room without prior permission.
Smoking
Smoking, vaping and the use of alcohol are not permitted in the building or on the premises at any time.
No-Show
Cancellations must be made by at least 12 noon the day before your study, or if your study is on a Saturday or Sunday, by noon on the Friday before.
Failure to show up for your scheduled procedure will result in a $100.00 no-show charge.