The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Patient Guide
What is a sleep study?
Diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders are individualized for each patient. An initial evaluation will help to identify your problem. Your physicians may then determine that you need a sleep study to accurately diagnose the sleep disorder. In order to study your sleep, various brain activities and body systems will be observed through out the night. After the study, your physician will better understand your specific sleep patterns and problems. Treatment recommendations will be made based upon the study results.
What happens during the sleep study?
- For an overnight study, you will be asked to arrive around 7:15 p.m. You should bring an overnight bag, packed as for any overnight stay.
- You will be taken to a room, where sensors are attached to your head and body. These sensors monitor body activities during your sleep such as brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, breathing and leg movements.
- The specially trained sleep technician will monitor your sleep all night from another room. You should be able to roll over, change positions and sleep in your usual positions.
- Most overnight studies are completed by 6 a.m. If you are staying for a nap study, you can anticipate staying until 5 p.m.
Important Points
- On the day of your study, do not consume caffeine after 2 p.m.
- Do not stop any medications, unless specifically requested by the sleep center physician.
- Do not use any hair cream, moisturizers, rinses or sprays the day of the study.
- Do not take a nap on the day of the study.
- You may want to bring a pillow, book or your laptop. (Free Wi-Fi available).
- Eat dinner before you come for your testing.
- Bring comfortable clothes to sleep in.
The UT Sleep Disorders Center offers sleep evaluations performed by diplomats of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. The UT Sleep Laboratory has a staff of licensed technologists registered by the Board of Registration of Polysomnographic Technologists.
Most insurance companies recognize the impact of sleep disorders on your health and reimburse for evaluation and testing. The sleep center will assist you in working with your insurance company to determine benefits.