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Sleep Center

Call 304.831.1575

A restful night's sleep is not a luxury – it's an absolute necessity for good health. Inadequate sleep causes a variety of problems, from the obvious symptoms such as daytime drowsiness, to hidden risks such as increased chances of developing heart disease. Causes of poor sleep vary widely, including snoring, sleep apnea (interrupted breathing), restless leg syndrome, or even poor habits regarding your sleep routine, such as eating late at night, or watching TV in bed.

The need for sleep varies throughout the lifecycle. Most people realize that infants and children need significantly more sleep than adults. Teenagers, on the other hand, may not need as much sleep as children, but their sleep cycle may shift, causing them to feel wakeful late at night, while wanting to "sleep in" rather than bounding out of bed in the morning to prepare for school.

Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each day. The elderly may spend less time in deep sleep, and find they are easily awakened, however they often offset this by taking naps during the day. Average total sleep time for those over 65 actually increases.

What is a Sleep Lab?

The Sleep Lab enables physicians to diagnose sleep disorders by administering sleep studies. Our state-of-the-art Sleep Lab has private rooms to make you feel right at home.

The Sleep Lab is staffed by Board Registered Polysomnographers and Respiratory Therapists.

The most common sleep studies are:

  • Polysomnogram. This test records several body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, oxygen levels, heart rate and rhythm, cessation of breathing, snoring, and body muscle movements.
  • Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). This test measures how long it takes you to fall asleep and if REM stage of sleep is present in a measured amount of time.
  • Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT). This test requires a portable monitoring unit that patients take home overnight for diagnosis of sleep apnea.

Sleep study appointments are available Monday through Saturday nights. To make an appointment call (304) 831-1575.

What Happens During a Sleep Study?

When you arrive at the Sleep Lab for your sleep study, a sleep technician will greet you at the door and show you to your private suite, equipped with a bed, television and Wi-Fi access. You can make yourself at home and adjust the temperature to your comfort level.

As you prepare for bed, you will complete a questionnaire about your sleep habits. The technician will then place painless monitors on your head, chest and legs. These electrodes monitor vital signs, including your oxygen level, heart and breathing rates, and whether or not there are disruptions in your sleep cycle. Technicians also monitor snoring, and movement of your arms and legs in your sleep.

Once the study is complete, your physician will receive a report on your sleeping patterns that you can review together to form a treatment plan.

Prepping for Your Sleep Lab Visit

Make sure your visit is as successful as possible with these get-ready dos and don’ts:

  • Don’t drink or eat caffeine on the day of your sleep study.
  • Do bring your favorite pillow and comfortable sleep clothes.
  • Do feel free to bring electronic devices, such as an iPad or iPhone. We do ask, however, that you turn these devices off before going to sleep.
  • Do take medicines prior to coming to the Sleep Lab, if possible. If you have any questions regarding your medicines, please call the Sleep Lab prior to your appointment.
  • Do plan to spend at least nine hours at the Sleep Lab.