Sleep Testing in Stephens County

Do you or a loved one struggle to fall asleep at night? Do you toss and turn, never feeling well-rested when you awake the next morning? Many Americans live with sleep issues, but the answers could be closer than you expect. 

At Stephens County Hospital our professional team offers sleep testing in our Diagnostic Sleep Lab. If you struggle to achieve a restful night’s sleep, our testing may help get you the answers you need. 

A sleep test, also called a Polysomnogram, is a test that records a person’s physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. The test provides data about sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, snoring, and general sleep behavior. This data is essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints.

Our qualified staff of Licensed Respiratory Therapists and Polysomnographic technologists, Sleep Technicians, are trained in Sleep Diagnostics and the treatment of sleep disorders. The Sleep Technician can answer any questions that you may have but cannot tell you the test results. Please make sure to make an appointment with your physician, following the completion of your sleep exam(s), to receive the results.

When You Arrive at the Stephens County Hospital For Your Sleep Test

  • Please check-in at the Emergency Department for registration
  • Tell the registration staff that you are here for a sleep exam
  • Once the registration process is completed, the Diagnostic Sleep Lab will be notified

Our Toccoa, GA Sleep Center Suite

  • The Stephens County Diagnostic Sleep Lab is equipped with a comfortable queen size bed
  • Bedding is provided for you in our testing lab - sheets, blankets and lots of pillows are available for your comfort. Please do not bring any bedding from home to the testing lab
  • The testing lab is also equipped with a television and a DVD player
  • Sleep center suites are fully equipped with a shower for your convenience
  • A Breakfast voucher will be provided for a delicious meal on-site following your sleep test

What to Expect During/After Your Sleep Test

  • The Sleep Technician will connect sensors to your head, chest, legs, and fingers in order to monitor your sleep
  • You may drink water and use the restroom during your sleep test
  • Your sleep test will be monitored from another room by the Stephens County Hospital Sleep Technician
  • The Sleep Technician will wake you in the morning to remove the sensors and complete the test
  • You will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning your sleep experience

Preparation For The Sleep Test

  • Shower - Please shower prior to your arrival to the Sleep laboratory, and wash and dry your hair. Avoid using hair products such as gels, hairsprays or heavy conditioners, because they may prevent the electrodes from sticking to your scalp.
  • No nail polish – Remove nail polish and/or artificial nails from at least two fingers. The oximeter is placed on your fingernail to monitor blood oxygen levels.
  • No make-up – Make-up may interfere with the sensor connections on your face. If you wear make-up to the sleep lab, you must remove it before the test begins.
  • No naps – Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, most patients are asked to obtain a normal night’s sleep before the test. Avoid a nap on the day of your sleep test.
  • Limit caffeine – Take your regular medications and limit your caffeine intake. To achieve the best possible test results DO NOT take anything that contains caffeine after 2:00 PM the day of your exam. Please remember that this includes coffee, tea (including iced tea), most sodas, energy drinks, hot chocolate, and chocolate products.
  • Medications – Unless your physician office advises you otherwise, continue to take all your regular prescribed medications

What To Bring to the Sleep Testing Lab

  • Pajamas – please do not bring clothes that are made with silky material which easily holds static
  • Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, and conditioner
  • Medication –evening and morning medications
  • Book or video
  • Change of clothes for the following day

Rescheduling

We understand that conflicts do arise that may prevent you from being here for your sleep exam. If this happens, please contact our Central Scheduling Department 706.282.4466, and they will attempt to accommodate your needs. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice so that we may accommodate others.

While we do understand that emergencies do occur; however, we cannot allow more than one rescheduled appointment. Frequent rescheduling prevents us from being able to complete testing for all our patients.