Sleep Center Patients

The Sleep Disorders Center at UT Medical Center provides comprehensive treatment and evaluation of unexplained problems with sleep that last over a significant time period. Disorders include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, nightmares and night terrors, sleepwalking and insomnia.

• You will receive patient information forms prior to your first appointment that you must fill out and bring with you.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
• This appointment is for an office visit only. If needed, an overnight sleep study will be scheduled after your appointment with the doctor.
• The Sleep Disorders Center is not a provider for Blue Cross of Alabama or Anthem Blue Cross. Your insurance may also have a cap or limit on a sleep diagnosis. It is your responsibility to verify your benefits with your insurance provider prior to coming for your appointment. Although most insurance companies and Medicare cover evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders, it is your responsibility to check your benefits with your company. We do not verify your contract with your insurance company. However, we will pre-certify your study with the company, if needed.
• If you have any questions or need help completing the patient information forms, please call 865.305.8761.

What Happens During a Sleep Study?

For an overnight study, you will be asked to arrive around 7:15 p.m. and will be taken to a room. You should bring an overnight bag, packed as for any overnight stay. Bring all of your medications if you will need them while you are away from home. You will then change into nightclothes and get ready for bed.

Next, 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 technician will stay awake all night and monitor your sleep from another room. You should be able to rollover, change positions and sleep in your usual position. If you need to go to the bathroom, just ask the technician.

Most overnight studies are completed by 6 a.m. If you are staying for a nap study, you can anticipate staying until 4 p.m.

Important Points

• On the day of the study, do not consume alcohol or caffeine after 2 p.m.
• Do not stop any medications, unless specifically requested by the Sleep Center physician. Be sure to bring all medications that you will need.
• Do not use any hair cream, moisturizers, rinses or sprays the day of the study.
• You may want to bring a pillow or book.
• Eat dinner before you come for your testing.

Medical Staff

The Sleep Center medical staff consists of a multidisciplinary team with interest in pulmonary medicine and neurology.

Tina Dudney, MD
Michael Eisentadt, MD, PhD
Kevin Martinolich, MD
Thomas Sullivan, MD