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HOME SLEEP STUDY INFORMATION


A Home Sleep Study (Level 3 Sleep Study) is a diagnostic test which can be performed in your own home if your physician suspects that you have Sleep Apnea. Your snoring, abdominal and chest effort, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body position will be monitored while you sleep in the comfort of your own home.

At Medigas we are able to offer you the latest equipment in advanced diagnostic sleep recording by using the Stardust Sleep Screener. Your Home Sleep Study will be reviewed by a Board-Certified Sleep Specialist. You will see the Sleep Specialist in his/her office before receiving treatment instructions.
 

How It Works

1. A referral must come from your family doctor. We can provide a copy of our referral form.

2. An appointment will be made in our office for instruction on how to apply the sleep testing equipment. The fee to cover disposables, preparation and cleaning of the Stardust Sleep Screener equipment is $200.00.

3. You must return the equipment the next day by 10:00 am for the test to be downloaded. This information will be sent to the Sleep Specialist along with your completed Patient History Questionnaire. The turn-a-round time is one to two weeks.

4. If the results of the sleep study determine that you need a one week trial of auto-titrating CPAP, you will be notified and an appointment will be made in our office for instructions and mask fitting. Auto-titrating CPAP trials fees are $75.00 per week.

5. Following the trial, an appointment will be made with the Sleep Specialist to discuss the results of the titration and other treatment options. The Specialist may prescribe the use of CPAP. You can then discuss with your Medigas representative the CPAP options for purchase. We carry the latest in CPAP technology, including C-flex and integrated heated humidification, and will help you decide which option is best suited to your needs.


HOSPITAL SLEEP STUDIES AND CPAP

The Sleep Disorder Centre in Manitoba is located at Misericordia Health Centre. Testing performed in the health centre requires an overnight stay; these studies are covered by our provincial health care program. Patients having sleep studies at the health centre are eligible for the Provincial CPAP Program, which provides CPAP machines and related supplies. Patients who have a Home Sleep Study are also now eligible for equipment from the Provincial Program. The referral to the Provincial Program must come from your family doctor and all necessary documentation must be forwarded along with the referral.




What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
 Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep.

Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.

Sleep is disrupted, resulting in excessive sleepiness or fatigue during the day.


What causes the airway to collapse during sleep?
Extra tissue in the back of the airway such as large tonsils

Decrease in the tone of the muscles holding the airway open

The tongue falling back and closing off the airway


How many people have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
4 in 100 middle-aged men and 2 in 100 middle-aged woman have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Most OSA sufferers remain undiagnosed and untreated

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is as common as adult asthma


What happens if Obstructive Sleep Apnea is not treated?
Possible increased risk for:

High blood pressure
Heart disease and heart attack
Stroke
Fatigue-related motor vehicle and work accidents
Decreased quality of life


What should you do if you suspect you may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

See your doctor. Evaluation by a doctor specializing in sleep disorders is recommended.

Have a sleep study done. A sleep study can provide the doctor with information about how you sleep and breathe. This information will help the doctor to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.


What is the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), pronounced "see-PAP". Other less common treatments include surgery and oral appliances, which may be effective in certain individuals.

Any treatments should include weight loss if needed, exercise and avoidance of alcohol, sedatives and hypnotics.


How does CPAP therapy work?

CPAP treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea by providing a gentle flow of positive-pressure air through a mask to splint the airway open during sleep.

Breathing becomes regular
Snoring stops
Restful sleep is restored
Quality of life is improved
Risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, stroke and motor vehicle and work accidents is reduced
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious, potentially life-altering and life-threatening condition that is

Easily identified
Effectively treated


What are the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

If someone you know snores regularly and has one or more of the following symptoms, he/she may be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Overweight
Snoring
Stop breathing
Excessive sleepiness
Morning headache
Depression
Memory loss and/or concentration problems







Call or email our sleep specialists

Ph: (204) 786-4719
Fax: (204) 786-1972
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-665-5585


Further Information can be found at...

National Sleep Foundation

Canadian Sleep Society

Misericordia Sleep Disorder Centre