(337) 310-REST

4820 Lake Street

Lake Charles, LA 70605

Are you getting enough sleep?

Americans report that they don’t get enough sleep. And it’s more than simply sleeping poorly at night, some can hardly stay awake during the day. Even children can have sleep disorders.

Sleep disorders lead to sleep deprivation, which can negatively impact your brain, heart and entire system. Clinical studies have shown a link between certain sleep disorders and heart attacks, congestive heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure and type II diabetes.

A sleep disorder can result in impaired memory and physical performance, hallucinations and mood swings.

Treating sleep disorders can significantly lower blood pressure, relieve excess stress on the heart and vascular system, prevent or delay the progression of type II diabetes and its complications, and reduce the need for some medications. It can also improve your memory and make you feel better overall, physically and mentally.

What Happens During A Sleep Study?

After you have been evaluated by a Sleep Specialist you may be referred to have a sleep study. You will arrive at the center around 8:30 pm so that the study can be performed during more typical sleeping hours. Our registered sleep technologist will ask you some questions about your daily activities, caffeine intake, and the quality of your sleep the night prior to the study.

Your head will be measured and marked with a grease pencil, which washes off, and then small metal cups attached to wires called “leads” will be applied by means of a gel to your head and face. These leads pick up your brain waves, eye movements, and muscle activity. A device to monitor your airflow will be placed under and in your nostrils. This gives vital information about your breathing. A sensor will be applied to your throat to record your snore activity. An EKG lead will be place on each side of your chest to record your heart rhythm. A band will be placed around your chest and another around your abdomen to record the efforts that your chest and abdomen make while you are breathing. A lighted sensor will be applied to one of your fingers which will record the oxygen level in your blood. Finally, a lead will be applied to each leg to monitor the leg movements which occur during your sleep. A total of 20-21 or more different types of sensors will be applied to you to complete the set-up. None of these sensors hurt and all provide very important information that the doctor will be able to use to diagnose the problems that may be occurring while you sleep. It is a bit different than sleeping at home, but the knowledge that is gained should be very helpful to getting you on the road to many better nights of sleep in the future. So happy dreaming at our sleep center!