For the safety of our patients and staff and to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, our Sleep Center has made adjustments to its scheduling and hours of operation, and has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols. All staff are screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms, and patients are screened during their registration call and again upon arrival. Patients will be met at the entrance where they will be screened, asked to sanitize their hands, and don a fresh mask. At that point the patient will be given instructions for their visit.
If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, it is important to know that Emerson Hospital’s Sleep Center specializes in diagnostic testing and treatment for the full range of sleep problems, including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and REM behavior disorder.
We have helped thousands of people find their way to a better night’s sleep. In addition to adult patients, the Sleep Center provides testing and treatment for pediatric patients begining at two years old. We work closely with Emerson's
Pediatric Intervention Team to ensure you and your child have a comforting, stress-free experience.
We recognize that sleep deprivation can impair your quality of life, personal health and ability to carry out important daily functions. That is why we do not rest until you sleep better.
What a sleep study entails
Our comprehensive approach typically begins with a sleep study — and does not end until we diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your condition.
A sleep study — also called a polysomnogram (PSG) — is a test that measures how well you sleep. It determines whether you have any sleep problems, and how severe they are.
During a sleep study — which takes place overnight at our state-of-the-art sleep lab — electrodes are attached to your head and body to monitor your brain waves, eye movements, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, heart rate, leg movements, blood pressure and more while you sleep.
You generally arrive between 7:30-8:30 p.m., and leave between 6-8 a.m. the next day. There are four study rooms that are more like hotel rooms than hospital rooms, and video cameras in the room record everything.
You can wear your own pajamas, and adjust the temperature to your liking. The room is dark, and you can bring something to read until you fall asleep.
This diagnostic study is overseen by a board-certified neurologist and board-certified sleep specialist. A team of other experts in pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, psychology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and pediatrics (for children) may also be involved in developing a treatment plan once the test results and analyzed.
While many sleep studies require supervision by experts, sometimes you can perform a self-test at home using a home sleep study kit. Simply ask your doctor which is right for you.
To obtain a sleep study
For an in-hospital sleep study appointment, you and your physician will arrange this with our sleep partner, Neurocare, by calling
617-796-7766. For these appointments you will be spending the night in one of our sleep study rooms at Emerson Hospital.
For home sleep study appointments, these are also processed through Neurocare. Once an order has been received by the Pulmonary Function Lab, an appointment can be scheduled at
978-287-3737. You may arrange an appointment that will take approximately 20 minutes to teach you how to use the monitor in the comfort of your own bed. This monitor should be returned the next day, or the day after if your first try is unsuccessful. Results can be expected in seven to ten days and will be faxed to your primary care physician and ordering doctor. For each appointment, all tests require pre-registration by calling
978-287-3062.
Before you schedule your tests, please bring this
sleep test request form to your physician to fill out. Once completed, it can be sent to us at the numbers listed on the form.
