Our 8-bed Sleep Lab is located within the Cardiopulmonary Department. The purpose of the Sleep Lab is to perform comprehensive overnight or daytime studies to evaluate sleep disorders. It generally includes monitoring of the patient’s airflow through the nose and mouth, heartbeat as measured by an electrocardiograph (ECG), blood oxygen levels, brain wave patterns, eye movements and the movements of respiratory muscles and limbs.
The Sleep Lab can help identify such syndromes as Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Insomnia.

Sleep studies require the patient to stay overnight in the Sleep Lab and appointments are made available 7 nights a week. Appointments for daytime studies are available Monday to Friday.

We accept patients 12 years of age and older.

To book a Sleep Study, have your Doctor fax this requisition to our Patient Scheduling Department and you will be called for an appointment shortly.


Sleep Lab requisition
Accredited and Non Accredited vendors

What to expect during your overnight Sleep Study

Our lab is staffed with friendly, caring, qualified health care professionals including Registered Polysomnographers and Registered Respiratory Therapists.

  • You will be given a tour of the Sleep Lab and shown to your private room.
  • The Technologist will take a history of your sleep habits and apply small electrodes attached to thin wires onto your head via a water soluble, washable paste- this washes out easily in the morning.
  • While you sleep, the Technologist will monitor your EEG (brain waves) to determine what kind of a sleep you are having, including what stages of sleep you enter, and whether you snore or stop breathing.
  • You are able to go to the bathroom, read if you like, toss and turn, and call the Technologist for assistance at any time during the night.
  • You will be awoken at approximately 6 am, the wires are removed quickly and you will be free to go.
  • Your Doctor will receive a summary of your sleep patterns along with a physician's report from one of our sleep specialists.

Preparation

Night time tests:

  • No caffeine as of 12 noon on day of appointment (tea/coffee/chocolate, etc.)
  • Contact your Doctor regarding discontinuing medications prior to your sleep study.
  • Patients are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their test and have a seat in our waiting room.
  • Patients can enter through the Main Entrance doors of the hospital and follow the signs to the Cardiopulmonary Department on Level A1 beneath Tim Hortons.
  • Patients will be at their appointment until 6 am the following morning.
  • Bring in pajamas, your Health Card and CPAP headgear and mask (if applicable).
  • You are encouraged to bring your own pillow if that would be more comfortable or help you sleep better.
  • If there are any special needs (oxygen, wheelchair, lifting), please let us know in order to make necessary arrangements.

Day time tests:

  • Bring something to do (ie. reading material or work). We have free wireless internet available in the department.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing and a loose hat. You will be here until approximately 3:30 pm, and in rare cases until 5:30 pm.

What is sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The "apnea" in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least ten seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

 

 

Obstructive sleep apnea can cause fragmented sleep and low blood oxygen levels. For people with sleep apnea, the combination of disturbed sleep and oxygen starvation may lead to hypertension, heart disease, and mood or memory problems. Drowsiness due to sleep apnea can also increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident.


What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

  • Snoring or snorting at night.
  • Choking at night.
  • Perspiration at night.
  • Frequent night-time visits to the bathroom.
  • Morning headaches.
  • Daytime tiredness.
  • Fatigue, poor concentration, irritability.

Are there serious problems associated with sleep apnea?

  • The risk of motor vehicle accidents is 4 to 6 times greater.
  • The risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks is approximately twice as high.
  • The risk of strokes is approximately twice as high.
  • Sleep apnea may cause heart failure.

What is the treatment for sleep apnea?

Oral surgery, dental appliances, and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are therapies for sleep apnea. CPAP is the most reliably effective.

 

 

Where can I get more information?

National Sleep Foundation