What is a sleep study?
The medical term for a sleep study is "polysomnogram," which is a non-invasive, pain-free procedure that usually requires spending a night or two in a sleep testing center. During a polysomnogram, a sleep technologist records multiple biological functions during sleep, such as brain wave activity, eye movement, muscle tone, heart rhythm and breathing via electrodes and monitors placed on the head, chest and legs.
Sleep studies are conducted at the Sleep Center at MultiCare Yakima Memorial.
Once at the Sleep Center, you'll see that testing bedrooms are designed to make you as comfortable as possible during your stay. The private rooms are tastefully decorated and feature a cozy bed, a desk, credenza, television and restroom. Our goal is to make you "at home" as much as possible.
After a full night's sleep is recorded, the data will be tabulated by a technologist and presented to a physician for interpretation. Depending on the physician's orders, patients may be given therapy during the course of the study, which may include medication, oxygen or a device called continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP).
We are committed to partnering with your primary health care provider to resolve your sleep issues and get you back to sleep. They will receive timely and complete information about your ongoing treatment.
The Sleep Center at MultiCare Yakima Memorial is a member of the National Sleep Foundation.
Preparing for your sleep study
A list of specific instructions is typically provided to patients before their arrival at the testing facility, but you may want to consider asking additional questions before your test, such as:
- Does it matter if I take a nap the day before or the day of the study?
- Should I refrain from drinking coffee, tea or other caffeinated products or energy drinks? If so, for how many hours before my test?
- What can I eat before the study? In addition to caffeinated products, are there any other foods/beverages that I should avoid?
- Should I avoid stimulants, alcohol or sedatives? What about other prescription and non-prescription medications or dietary or herbal supplements? How long before the sleep study should these be discontinued?
- What should I bring to wear?
- May a family member or attendant stay with the patient during the study?
- On the day of the procedure, should I change my cosmetic, skin or hair care routine?
- Are personal comfort items, such as snacks, a pillow, slippers or robe, allowed?
- What time will I be able to leave?
- May I take a shower and dress for work the morning after the study?
- Will I be able to discuss the results of the study with my doctor before leaving the facility?
- Will my primary care physician or the sleep specialist take the lead in providing continuing care after the study?
FAQs
Talk to your primary care provider before scheduling a study. He or she can refer you for a sleep medicine consultation to evaluate your sleep disorder.
Your insurance plan may require you to be referred to the Sleep Center by your primary care provider. Please discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider and they will help to determine whether a sleep consultation is indicated.
If your insurance plan allows you to refer yourself for specialty consultation, feel free to discuss your options with our staff. Our clinical and diagnostic facilities are available to all patients, regardless of financial status or health plan.
The Sleep Center is a preferred provider for most health plans offered in the Yakima Valley region and accepts Medicare assignment. We see Medicaid patients upon referral and also follow the charitable care guidelines outlined by MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital. Check with your insurance plan to determine your level of coverage.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Sleep Center at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital at 509-574-3383, option 1.
There is a parking lot next to the West Pavilion II Building. Enter the parking lot from S. 30th Ave.
You will need to bring sleepwear, like pajamas or a night shirt. You also may want to bring a robe, slippers and your own pillow. All bedding is provided, but some patients prefer sleeping with their own pillows. If possible take your medication before arrival, if that is not possible we will lock them up for the night, as we cannot provide medications for you. If you require or want a bedtime snack, bring one with you.
Overnight sleep studies typically last eight to 10 hours.
Yes. Special accommodations are available upon request for parents or caregivers who need or are required to stay with their loved ones during their testing at the Sleep Center at MultiCare Yakima Memorial.
We currently operate five sleep testing rooms that are ADA (American with Disabilities Act) certified. We endeavor to meet all the needs of all our patients and provide the healthcare experience of choice.
Night time and shift work schedules are taken into account, and studies can be scheduled to accommodate.
We ask that you have dinner prior to arriving at the Sleep Center for an overnight study. Snacks are provided.
A television is available in your room. A cordless phone is available for local calls upon request. Cellphone use is permitted, but the phone must be turned off during sleep periods. Wireless internet access is available in all rooms if you have a Wi-Fi-capable device, but use is restricted to daytime hours.
Simply ask the technician to unhook you. There is an intercom in the room and the technician will assist you.
Most people sleep very well and have little difficulty falling asleep. Technicians do all they can to help patients to be comfortable. It is also a comfort for many patients to know that this visit to the Sleep Center is the first step on the road to better sleep and health. If you think you will have difficulty sleeping, please discuss your concerns with your sleep medicine provider.
No needles are used, and generally no discomfort is noticed. Some mild skin irritation maybe noted when attaching the electrodes. A slight warm feeling may be experienced form the oxygen-sensing device applied to your finger.
24 hours notice is required for cancellation of your sleep study.
Typically results are available within five business days. Patients are asked to set up a follow-up clinic appointment when scheduling their sleep study. Follow up clinic appointments are generally 1 to 2 weeks after the sleep study.
Yes, but we will need to speak with you to arrange the appointment.