Services
What to Expect
Consultation... Sleep Study... Follow-up
Consultation
Before your initial consultation with Dr. Bray, we will mail you a Welcome Packet. We ask that you fill this information out and have it ready for your consultation. It would be beneficial if you can provide us with a sleep diary (preferably 2 weeks) of your sleeping habits. Also, please bring all recent medical records, including Lab work, X-rays.
During the consultation, Dr. Bray will discuss your sleep problem and medical history as well as perform a detailed thorough physical examination. The office visit can be expected to last 2-4 hours depending on the complexity of the problem and it is always a good idea to bring your bed partner to help answer specific sleep habit questions. Clinical impressions, treatment options and any other questions you may have will also be discussed at this time. If indicated, an overnight sleep study or other medical tests may be recommended. We at the Sleep Center of the Southwest will do our best to accomplish as much of the work-up on the first day as possible for your convenience. Many of our patients tell us
that this was the most comprehensive health history and physical examination they have every had.
Sleep Study
The evaluation of some sleep problems may require an overnight stay at The Sleep Center of the Southwest for a comprehensive sleep study called a polysomnogram. All sleep tests involve the noninvasive use of electrodes and sensors that are secured to the patient with tape or paste. The procedure is painless and allows for free movement in bed during the night.
A polysomnogram is an overnight (or daytime for night shift workers) study performed in a comfortable, private room that is very similar to a hotel room. The rooms are equipped with queen sized beds and are sound and light attenuated to ensure a tranquil and quiet environment. A handicapped accessible restroom and shower facility are conveniently located near the rooms. Polysomnograms are used to monitor biological functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle tone, heart rate & rhythm, and breathing pattern.
The center is staffed by technicians and registered technologists who are specially trained in the use of sophisticated instrumentation and the identification of sleep/wake pathological events. Our technicians monitor one or two patients per night, assuring that each patient receives excellent care and personal attention. Under certain circumstances, on Dr. Bray's order, the technician may intervene during the night to apply certain treatments such as Supplemental Oxygen or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the gold standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Some patients may also undergo an additional test, performed during the day following the polysomnogram, called a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). The MSLT is used by Dr. Bray as a diagnostic tool to objectively assess the patient's level of daytime sleepiness. The MSLT involves five tests, or nap periods, administered at two hour intervals. During each nap period, the patient is given a 20 minute opportunity to fall asleep. The amount of time it takes to fall asleep on each nap, called the sleep latency, is measure and evaluated by Dr. Bray to determine if pathological or excessive daytime sleepiness is present and if treatment is necessary.
Similar to the MSLT, another test, called a Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), may also be performed for patients involved in the public transportation industry such as over-the-road truck drivers and airline pilots. The MWT involves four 40-minute test periods administered at two-hour intervals to assess the patient's ability to remain awake in a dimly lit room while lying semi-recumbent and without using extraordinary measures.
Follow-Up
After our registered technologists have analyzed your sleep data, Dr. Bray will interpret the results and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. With this approach, a chance for a positive outcome is highly likely.
During the follow-up, Dr. Bray will explain, in detail, exactly what he feels is wrong with you, and define each of your problems. Then he will develop a comprehensive medical plan to get the best result possible for you. This plan will be thoroughly discussed with you and a written copy will be provided to you to take home and refer to. Appropriate teaching materials will be provided also. We make a concerted effort to teach you everything you need to know to resolve any and all sleep problems.