Frequently Asked Questions

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General FAQ

Why do we need good quality sleep?
Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind. Sleep deprivation has short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, lack of proper sleep can lead to decreased alertness and performance, memory issues, poor quality of life, excessive daytime sleepiness and lack of concentration leading to increased risk of injury on the job or on the road. In the long term, some of the risks include high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke, obesity, diabetes and depression.
How much sleep do we need?
Some people are long sleepers, needing 9-10 hours to function. Others are short sleepers and do fine with 5-6 hours, but on an average most adults need 7-7 1/2 hours of sleep to feel refreshed. The national average, however, is about 5 1/2 hours. Adolescents need nine or more hours a night. Our sleep requirement decreases as we mature.
Why should I see a sleep specialist or get a sleep study?

Sleep specialists deal with all kinds of sleep problems. It is not healthy to have trouble falling sleep or staying sleep and or to not feel rested when you wake up. You may have poor quality sleep, which a sleep specialist may be able to identify and treat. The common symptoms of poor quality sleep are:

  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Sleepy while driving
  • Difficulty staying awake at meetings, church, etc.
  • Snoring
  • Stop breathing in sleep (reported by bed partner)
  • Early morning headaches
  • Legs acting out when trying to sleep
  • Jerking in sleep
  • Decreased energy and/or fatigue
  • Reduced productivity
  • Unexplained mood disorders
I snore a little, is that a problem?
It certainly can be. Snoring is a vibration caused by a blockage in your airway. Even a small amount of snoring can be an indication of sleep apnea. The only way to know with certainty is to have a sleep study.
Do you accept my insurance?
Yes. Most health insurance companies cover office visits, sleep studies and CPAP services. Please check our web site or call our office for the list of insurance plans that we accept. We will also get prior authorization for you for any sleep study. If we are out of network for your insurance provider we can offer services at in- network rates.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance may require a referral. We are happy to request a referral from you primary care doctor on your behalf. Alternatively you can request your doctor to fax the referral to us. Our fax number is 503.688.5509.
Is an office visit necessary before a sleep study?
An office visit is not mandatory but is highly recommended before a sleep study because not all sleep problems require a sleep study. The physician will be able to get a detailed history and do a limited physical examination before deciding if you would need a sleep study.
What if I have no insurance?
We can work out a private pay plan based on reasonable rates.
Will I have access to my health records and how will I communicate with the physician?

Yes, we will have a patient portal on our website with a log-in for you to access your records. We will also offer secure e-mail communication through the same portal to maintain strict confidentiality. You can also always call if you have a question and our physician will return the call promptly.

Does Somnique Health accept pediatric patients?

Yes, ages 5 and older. A sleep consultation is required prior to a sleep study. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and remain for the entirety of the study. Please review the pediatric sleep section for more information.

How do I make an appointment?

Please call us at 503.688.5536 or toll free at 1-855.976.6642. You can also follow this link to make an appointment.

Sleep Study FAQ

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a painless evaluation of your sleep patterns. While you sleep in a comfortable bed in our sleep lab, we monitor your brain waves, eye movements, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, snoring, muscle tone, leg movements and heart rate. That information helps us determine if you have a sleep disorder and if we can help you sleep better.

Is the sleep study covered by insurance?
Most insurers do cover sleep studies. We can help you get any prior authorization you need.
Will I be hooked up with wires during the sleep study?
Yes. Your sleep technician will apply sensors or electrodes to monitor the activities that take place in your body and brain during sleep. Elastic belts are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing. A sensor is also placed on your finger or earlobe to monitor the level of oxygen in your blood and heart rate.
How can I sleep with all of the sensors?
Your sleep technician will adjust everything to make you as comfortable as possible; most people quickly get used to the sensors and sleep reasonably well. Be sure to ask your sleep physician in advance if you have specific concerns about this.
Will the sensors hurt?
No. This is a painless and non-invasive testing procedure. Paste is applied to your skin and scalp to keep the electrodes in place, but it is easily removed with soap and warm water.
Do you make a video recording of the study?
Yes. It is important for you to be monitored during the study to get accurate data. We have a camera in the room to record all your sleep activity.
I have trouble falling sleep in new places or surroundings. What if I am not able to sleep?
Our rooms are not like hospital rooms; they are cozy and comfortable. Most people do not have any trouble falling asleep. Your sleep doctor can discuss sleep aids with you if they are needed. But if you are nervous, come visit us! A tour of our facility will make you more comfortable about sleeping here.
What if I have to go to the bathroom?
All the wires lead to a box that can be easily detached if you have to go to the restroom. The room has a microphone to call the sleep technician who will come in immediately and detach the box for you.
How long is the sleep study?
We usually have people come in between 8-10 pm and we end around 6 am.
I work graveyard shifts. How can I get a study?
We have lot of patients who are shift workers. We can schedule your sleep study during your normal sleep hours. We try to be as accommodating as possible.
How should I prepare for my study?
It is important to avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages the day of your study. Do not take any naps that day. If possible, shower and shampoo your hair before you arrive, but avoid using any skin creams or oils. Remove your nail polish.
Can I watch TV?
Yes. Each room has cable TV. The sleep technician will tell you when to turn off the lights and TV.
Is there wi-fi available?
Yes we have free wi-fi.
Can my husband/wife/partner stay the night with me?
We only permit a companion when he or she is an actual caregiver. Be sure to tell your sleep physician if you are under the supervision of a caregiver.
Can I bring my own pillow and blankets?
Yes. We provide comfortable bedding but you can certainly bring your own pillow and blanket. We have a washer and dryer on premises and provide clean linens and bedding every time.
Can I shower and go to work from there?
Yes. We have restrooms with showers. We provide towels, shampoo and soap. We also have coffee and breakfast snacks to get you on your way.
How do I get the results of the study?
The data collected will be scored by the scoring technician and then reviewed by the sleep physician. If we have seen you in our clinic prior to the study, our sleep physician will review the results with you. If not, the results will be forwarded to your physician.

Sleep Apnea FAQ

What is sleep apnea?

There are two basic forms of sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused by an obstruction of the air passageway in the throat, while Central Sleep Apnea is a neuromuscular condition caused by a delay in the brain’s signal to breathe. The most common symptom for both types of sleep apnea is excessive, loud snoring.

If I snore, do I have sleep apnea?

No, not necessarily. Although snoring by itself is not a sleep disorder, it is often a sign of the serious sleep disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Simple snoring is caused by a partial obstruction of the upper airways but is not accompanied by an “apnea” or cessation of breath. Simple snoring can be very disturbing to a person’s sleep partner and can be treated by over the counter products.

We recommend that serious snorers come in for a sleep consultation to make sure that their snoring is not a symptom of sleep apnea. If the patient does have sleep apnea and is treated, snoring should decrease or disappear altogether.

What are some risk factors for sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is more common in men than women and is also more common in the 35 to 65-year-old age group. Obesity and/or excessive alcohol use can cause sleep apnea. In addition, individuals with hypertension or coronary artery disease are also more likely to develop sleep apnea.

I’m not overweight. Could I still have sleep apnea?

Yes. It is a common misconception that you must be overweight, or overweight and male to have sleep apnea. The most important symptoms to consider are not weight or sex, but instead tiredness during the day and snoring. If you exhibit these or other characteristics of sleep apnea, you should be evaluated.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

The best way to determine whether you have sleep apnea is to be referred by a physician for an overnight sleep study called a polysomnogram. The sleep study results will show whether you have sleep apnea and help your physician determine the best treatment option for you.

Are there treatments for sleep apnea?

Yes. If your sleep study shows that you have sleep apnea, the best form of treatment is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. This machine blows pressurized air into the nose via a mask in order to eliminate the snoring and the pauses in breathing that sleep apnea produces. Other treatment options include lifestyle changes, surgery, dental devices, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more. With severe cases, a combination of two or more of these methods may be recommended.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Yes. People with sleep apnea actually experience oxygen deprivation during their sleep. Their sleep is very ineffective and can leave them extremely fatigued, which can lead to accidents while on the job or driving. Some other risks of untreated sleep apnea include heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Pediatric Sleep Study FAQ

Does Somnique Health accept pediatric patients?

Yes, ages 5 and older. A sleep consultation is required prior to a sleep study unless it is a simple case of ruling out Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A parent or guardian must accompany the child and remain for the entirety of the pediatric sleep study. We have rooms specially fitted with two beds so that the caregiver can sleep with the child. Please see the registration form for the pediatric sleep study patient registration form.

What are the common signs and symptoms in the pediatric sleep problems?

The sign and symptoms may vary but some of the common ones are:

  • Restless sleep
  • Snoring
  • Hyperactivity
  • Daytime inattention
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Frequent awakenings
  • Learning problems
  • Bedwetting
  • Night-time fears
Will the insurance cover pediatric sleep study?
Most insurance will cover sleep studies. We do secure the prior authorization for you, but you may want to check with your insurance provider as well.
Do the parents get to stay with the child?
Yes, one parent must stay for the entire night during the sleep study.
What will happen during the study?
  • When you arrive for the study a friendly sleep technologist will greet you and guide you to your room and allow you to get comfortable.
  • You may also be given some paperwork to fill while you relax in the room. You may watch the TV or you can bring a book to read.
  • When it is time to connect the testing equipment, you will be asked to get your child changed into sleep wear.
  • Small metal discs, or electrodes, will be positioned on the head and body to measure brain activity, heart rhythm, eye movements and leg movements. It is a painless procedure, and we use tape and washable adhesive.
  • Sensors will also be applied to measure your child’s oxygen level. A small device called a cannula will monitor the nose airflow.
  • The temperature of the room may need to be maintained at a certain level, but you can adjust the blankets as needed for comfort.
  • We will turn off the lights and begin the monitoring before your child falls asleep.
What should we plan on the day of the study?
If possible, have the child shower shampoo before arriving, but avoid using any skin creams. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages and any unscheduled naps on the day of the study.
Can we bring child’s favorite pajamas, animal or blanket?
Your child can wear his own two-piece pajama set (a top and bottom without zippers) or shorts and a t-shirt. You can bring any special blanket, stuffed animal or pillow that your child usually sleeps with. Toiletries like towels, shampoo and soap will be provided.
How long do we stay there?
Please plan on arriving between 8-10 pm and the studies usually end by 6 am
Is the child allowed to take the regular medications?
Yes, your child should take regular medications unless advised otherwise by the sleep physician. Be sure to tell the physician during the office visit about all your child’s medications.
What happens after the pediatric sleep study?
The study will be scored and reviewed by our sleep physician and the results will be discussed during a follow-up office visit.
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