Respiratory and Sleep Services
North Warwickshire Community
Diagnostic Centre
Tel: 024 7686 5128
Why am I performing this test?
We have been asked to perform a sleep study by another healthcare professional at your GP surgery or from another specialist department you may be under for other conditions.
There are several reasons for performing the test however the most common is to investigate the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). This is a condition that involves repeated pauses in breathing during the night that can lead to sleep disturbances, daytime sleepiness and increased cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks and strokes.
Whilst anyone can be at risk of OSA, you are more likely to develop it if:
- You are overweight or have a large neck size over 17 inches
- You have a small or narrowed jaw (retrognathia)
- Narrowed throat – Large tonsils, large tongue.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Down’s Syndrome
- Heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation
- Chronic heart failure
- You are taking certain medications such as opiates or sleeping tablets
People with OSA may experience some or all the following symptoms:
- Excessive snoring or gasping during sleep
- Pauses in breathing during sleep (witnessed apnoea’s)
- Disrupted or disturbed sleep
- Unrefreshed sleep
- Morning headaches
- Unexplained excessive sleepiness
- Waking up during the night to urinate (nocturia)
- Restless sleep or movements during sleep.
- Memory or concentration problems.
What does the test involve?
When you attend for the test, you will be led into a room where we will take some basic measurements such as height, weight, collar size, pulse and oxygen levels. We may also take a brief history of your symptoms. Please note that this may be a group session although you will be given the opportunity to discuss any matters privately if necessary. If you would rather an individual appointment, please contact the admin team on 02476 865128.
You will be shown how to fit the sleep test equipment to your body, so you know how to connect it at bedtime
The equipment consists of:
- A small box that sits in the centre of your chest to measure which position you are sleeping in. This additionally records audio to measure snoring
- One or two stretchy bands that fit around your chest and abdomen to measure the effort of your breathing
- A watch with a soft probe which will fit on one of your fingers to measure your heart rate and oxygen levels (Oximeter)
- Two small tubes in your nose (nasal cannula) to measure any changes in your breathing
Depending on your individual circumstances, we may change some of the things the equipment measures. For example:
- If you use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, the recording device may be connected to this instead of the nasal cannula
- If you have symptoms of Periodic Leg Movement Disorder (PLMD) electrodes may be connected to your shins to monitor for movement.
This equipment will be worn for one night, at home and will automatically turn on.
Please allow approximately 30 minutes for the test.
How should I prepare for the test?
Ensure you can return the device the following working day (Monday – Friday) by 10am.
Please continue to take any medication as normal, unless instructed not to.
You MUST remove nail varnish or false nails from AT LEAST ONE of your fingers before placing the Oximeter probe onto your finger as this will affect the accuracy of the results.
Try and follow your normal sleep routine.
If you are unable to comply with any of the above, please contact the department directly on 02476 86 5013 to discuss further with a member of the sleep team otherwise, we may not be able to perform the test.
When should I return the equipment?
You must return the equipment to a member of the reception team in the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) between 8:00 - 10:00 AM the next working day (Monday – Friday) after your test unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.
The monitor may be returned by a friend or relative if you are unable to return it yourself.
What happens next?
Once the equipment is returned, we will check the quality of the study. If we don’t have sufficient data, we will arrange for the test to be repeated. This appointment will be sent out in the post.
The analysis of your test will be performed by a Respiratory & Sleep Healthcare Scientist who will make recommendations for the next step. This will be communicated to you via letter. This is likely to be either:
- An appointment to discuss the results and possible treatment options
- An appointment to commence on treatment
- Discharge from the sleep service
Sleepiness and driving?
It is the responsibility of every driver to ensure they are safe and alert when driving. This includes sleepiness which studies have found is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you hold a UK driving license and have been given a diagnosis of OSA then there may be a legal responsibility for you to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about your condition. Please refer to the DVLA patient information leaflet INF159 - Tiredness can kill, which is available from the DVLA either online or by telephone request.
The DVLA advises that all drivers who experience excessive daytime tiredness that is likely to affect their driving should stop until their symptoms have resolved. If you are also given a diagnosis of OSA, this may include providing evidence of good compliance and treatment to the DVLA prior to restarting.
If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, it is also advised that you do not operate heavy machinery as this could also be dangerous.
If you fail to notify the DVLA about a medical condition, you can be fined up to £1,000.
For more information, please contact the DVLA: Tel: 0300 790 6806 Website: www.
Useful links:
DVLA – For information regarding driving with medical conditions, your driving license, SL1/SL2 forms or any general enquires relating to driving or your license.
Drivers’ medical enquiries
Tel: 0300 790 6806
www.
www.
The Sleep Apnoea Trust – A charity for sleep apnoea patients and families providing information and support.
Tel: 0800 025 3500
Email: info
www.
The Sleep Charity - Provide access to high quality information and advice for good quality sleep and improving sleep hygiene.
Tel : 03303 530 541
www.
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
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