The rem sleep experience
Sleep. Test. Diagnose. Get Answers. Get Help. Get Rested.
We know that the idea of going to a new place to sleep in a strange bed can be unsettling. That’s why our team members at REM Sleep are here to ensure that you are comfortable and have a positive experience. We have sleep number mattresses in our sleep labs, fans, televisions, sound machines, and several other amenities in the rooms. In order to have a successful study, we ask that you review the following REM Center checklist and plan accordingly. We’ve thought of everything you need, so once you’ve completed the items on the checklist below, all you have to do is show up. We’ll take it from there.
Keep in mind that this one night at our sleep facility can be the start of getting a consistent good night’s rest and the end of feeling tired all of the time. All of our rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to help us determine your sleep baseline characteristics and to document any difficulties you experience while you sleep. Patients are monitored in a variety of ways including EEG/brain waves, EKG/heart rate, EOG/eye movement, EMG/muscle tension, sensing airflow, respiratory effort, and oximetry (blood oxygen levels). Your doctor will have all of the information he or she requires in order to diagnose your sleep difficulties.
what to expect
DOWNLOAD, PRINT, AND COMPLETE
Our patient information packet and medical history forms. Be sure to read and understand it prior to heading to the sleep center.
FOLLOW YOUR DOCTORS' INSTRUCTIONS
Regarding the use of your medicine. Bring any medication that you will need for the night or following morning.
BRING ALL
Insurance cards, photo ID, and co-payment if needed. Unless previously agreed upon, payment is expected in full upon arrival at the sleep center.
EAT
A light dinner prior to your study and try not to drink too much. This will help to avoid full bladders and empty stomachs – common causes of sleep disruption.
AVOID
Any caffeine or alcohol after 4 PM on the day of the study. Stimulants and alcohol can adversely affect both the quality of your sleep and your ability to fall asleep.
BE HYGIENIC
Bathe and make sure that your hair is dry, clean, and free from all oils, gels, or sprays. Clean hair and skin makes for easier hook-ups and better data for the interpreting clinicians. Men should shave: critical electrodes on the chin are attached with adhesive tape and even slight stubble can make this very difficult.
Do not use moisturizers or lotions of any kind, unless explicitly directly by your physician. Again, it is all about getting tape to stick to your skin. If lotions are used, it could mean the technician will have to wake you to re-apply the electrodes repeatedly throughout the night. (And we hate to have to wake you!)
BRING
Comfortable sleeping attire (cotton pajamas or tee-shirt and shorts along with a robe for comfort). Avoid synthetic materials and silk.
Toiletries and slippers. You may also bring other items that would make you more comfortable, such as a favorite pillow or blanket.
IF YOU
Have a cold or other illness, the study may have to be re-scheduled. Please call us. Also, if you have an infectious condition (respiratory or blood-born), our staff must be notified at 512.452.3806 as soon as possible.