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Saint Mary’s Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center is located at two convenient locations:
1312 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06708
and
509 Wolcott Rd., Wolcott, CT 06716
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Saint Mary's now has a second sleep lab
located in Wolcott |
Our Sleep Center provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep disorders. Our highly trained physician and technical staff will assist you in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of your sleeping disorder. Saint Mary’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center is fully accredited for five yeas and a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
For more information about Saint Mary’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Center, please call us at (203) 709-6243.
One of the most common referrals to a sleep disorders laboratory is to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a disorder that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, gasping and pauses in breathing during sleep. The disorder can be treated through many different interventions such as nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), or surgery. Treatment with CPAP involves a small mask placed over the nose or mouth, which provides air pressure to keep your upper airway open. Other sleep disorders include:
Narcolepsy
Restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movements
Insomnia
Inadequate sleep hygiene
Delayed sleep phase syndrome
While polysomnography (sleep study) is a noninvasive procedure, there are some small preparations that will make you more comfortable in the sleep lab.
- Have a normal day.
- Avoid caffeine after noon.
- Avoid napping after noon.
You should bring the following items with you on the night of the study:
- Comfortable clothes to sleep in.
- Socks and slippers.
- Bring all medications that you regularly take and as specified by your physician.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb.
Many people choose to go to work immediately after the study, and it is a good idea to
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The accommodations at Saint Mary's Sleep Disorders Center in Waterbury. |
pack as you would when going to a hotel. Sleep lab staff are always available during the day to answer any additional questions.
As you will need to fill out some paperwork, it is advisable to come to your appointment a few minutes early. When you arrive at the lab, a room will be ready for you. It is during this time that the technologist will discuss your particular study; some sleep studies may involve the introduction of nasal CPAP as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
The technologist will apply the necessary recording electrodes. The entire set-up may take anywhere from a half hour to an hour, depending on the type of study being ordered. Set-up involves preparing the skin in certain areas; it needs to be cleaned with a mild abrasive cream. On each area cleaned, an electrode is placed with tape covering it.
On areas that are covered with hair (head, legs, men’s chins), the technologist will use a thick cream instead of tape to secure the electrode. Some recording devices do not require cleaning or tape - they fit around the chest and abdomen like a belt to help monitor respiratory effort. One device fastens around the finger (to measure oxygen levels), and one is placed under your nostrils and near your mouth to monitor airflow.
During the study, the technologist is able to communicate with you via an intercom system and can provide any additional items needed like extra blankets or if a bathroom trip is required. Some studies require the technologist to awaken the patient in the middle of the night and place the CPAP mask on to eliminate sleep disordered breathing (obstructive sleep apnea).
Wake up time is generally between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m., unless there is a special request to wake up earlier or later. The electrodes will be removed, and towels and washcloths are provided. All of the creams used to secure the electrodes are water-soluble. It may take 15 - 30 minutes for you to leave the lab.
Your physician may order nap testing, also called an MSLT (multiple sleep latency testing). Typically, it will occur the day after the nighttime sleep study, and consists of four to five naps throughout the day. Some things you should know about your MSLT:
- Please bring comfortable clothes – you may not wear pajamas for the nap testing.
- Please bring things to do: books, magazines, personal CD player or radio. We do provide cable TV.
- We provide breakfast and lunch, but you may bring your own food or snacks.
- Caffeine is prohibited during the nap testing.
- You may bring a cell-phone or pager, but they must be turned off during the nap testing.
- The test is usually completed between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Please make sure you have a ride home. The technologist will be able to let you know what time the test will be completed during the day.
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