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Sleep Disorders Center

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Our Sleep Disorders Center provides comprehensive diagnosis of sleep disturbances. To assess symptoms that occur during sleep, we need to observe patients for a full night in the laboratory. We have 2 locations: 4 sleep rooms at Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and 4 sleep rooms at the Framingham Sheraton Hotel. Our private rooms, experienced staff, and advanced equipment make testing simpleand comfortable. Common tests include Polysomnogram, Latency Test, and Monitoring.

The quality of your sleep affects the quality of your life. Adequate rest is necessary for everything you do, from driving a car to maintaining a good mood. Your ability to function during the day is directly linked to your ability to sleep well at night.

There are over 80 different sleep disorders

Every year thousands of people seek specialized treatment for sleeping disorders. If you are having sleeping problems, you may require medical care to get the rest you need.

• Do you snore loudly?

• Do you stop breathing or gasp for breath during sleep?

• Do you feel sleepy or doze off during daily activities, such as driving or reading?

• Do you have difficulty sleeping three or more nights a week?

• Do you feel an unpleasant tingling or creeping feeling in your legs when trying to sleep?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you could be suffering from a treatable sleep disorder.

Your Sleep Test

The Sleep Disorders Center at MetroWest Medical Center performs all night polysomnograms, multiple sleep latency tests, and day polysomnograms. These tests help diagnose excessive sleepiness, loud snoring, and episodes of unusual activity at night. Since symptoms occur in sleep, we need to observe a complete night in the laboratory. We hope you will find this a pleasant experience.

Testing in a Sleep Lab — Polysomnogram

The sleep study is done in a private room inside the Sleep Disorders Center. During the study, special sensors record the activity of the heart, lungs, and brain; the movements of muscles; air flow from the nose and mouth; and the level of oxygen in the blood. In addition, body movements are videotaped and snoring, talking, or other noises made while asleep are recorded. A technician watches the recording on monitors all night to observe the patient and check for problems. If severe sleep apnea is found during the night, the technician may provide a device called CPAP, which keeps a patient’s air passages open and treats apnea.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test

A Multiple Sleep Latency Test is another way of measuring excessive sleepiness. This test requires a day in the Sleep Disorders Center. The test consists of four or five naps for 20 minutes each. The naps are approximately two hours apart. The patient should have a normal night’s sleep the night before or may have a polysomnogram. It is recommended that patients bring books or other materials to fill the time between naps. Loose clothing and comfortable shoes are helpful. Coffee and tobacco interfere with the test.

Tips for Testing in the Sleep Lab

Before a sleep study, bathe and wash hair, avoiding conditioners, oils, or makeup. Clean hair and skin help the sensors stay attached. If you have artificial nails, remove one for oxygen monitoring.

Stick to a normal routine. If you usually drink alcohol, exercise, or take medication before bed, ask your doctor whether you should do so the night of your study. Please do not bring food or drink to the lab.

Bring your toothbrush, two-piece sleepwear, and a current list of your medications with dosages, pillow, books, or magazines, and anything else that helps you to sleep comfortably. Tell the technician if you are uncomfortable or need any assistance during your test.

We try to allow you your normal wake time. Most patients leave by 7:00 a.m.

Smoking is not permitted in the hospital or the hotel.

Registration

We will pre-register you for your test so there will be no waiting time. Please bring a photo ID and your insurance card. Please give us 24-hour notice if you should choose to cancel your appointment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Sleep Disorders Center at 508-650-7799.

MetroWest Medical Center provides community based healthcare services to the 25-town MetroWest community through its acute care, community teaching hospitals, and specialty clinics. The system includes Framingham Union Hospital, Leonard Morse Hospital, MetroWest Wellness Center, and MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice.