Evaluation, Testing and Treatment

Evaluation
Individuals may make their own appointments or have their physician refer them to a sleep disorders specialist at the Institute. The specialist conducts a sleep interview and brief physical examination, and reviews the patients' medical histories provided by their own physicians. After the initial evaluation, appropriate testing and sleep studies are ordered depending on the particular problems that have been diagnosed.

Sleep Test
If a sleep test is necessary, a polysomnogram will be scheduled for the patient. During this process, electrodes (or wires) are attached to different parts of the body - for example, on the head (to determine sleep stages), near the eyes, on the chin and on the legs. The device detects episodes of disordered breathing by monitoring oxygen saturation, breathing efforts and airflow from nose to mouth. Heart activity and muscle movements are also monitored. Though somewhat inconvenient, polysomnography is painless.

The sleep test requires an overnight stay in the Sleep Institute. A technician is present to constantly monitor the patient's sleep throughout the night.

Treatment
Depending on the sleep evaluation and/or sleep study, the sleep specialist will make specific recommendations to a patient and his or her doctor. Treatment varies with the type of sleep disorder and may include sleep education, support groups, medication, surgery or the use of C-PAP, a mask worn over the nose during sleep to aid breathing.

For more information on the Sleep Center at Baptist, call (865) 632-5627.

Baptist Sleep Center

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