Hypnometrics

Hypnometrics is locally owned in Santa Barbara and has a reputation for excellence in patient care. Your physician has prescribed a diagnostic procedure to analyze your sleep patterns, you have scheduled to come to the local sleep center for an overnight sleep study.

Experienced technologists who have received specialized training in the field of sleep disorders will strive to make you comfortable and keep you informed during the waking portion of your stay. Sleep study is a non-invasive procedure where needles, drugs, x-rays will not be used.
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Preparing For Your Study

The following preparations should be made just before your overnight stay.
  • Shower and shampoo your hair.
  • Avoid using anything on your hair after it has been cleaned and dried (gel, cream, hair spray).
  • Do not wear makeup or jewelry.
  • Do not use creams or lotions on your face or body.
  • Do not wear acrylic nails or hair braids/weaves which may affect proper sensor placement.
  • Pack your sleepwear (which is required) and toiletries.
  • Bring your reading glasses, if applicable, for use in completing paperwork.
  • If you prefer, bring some reading material or other items that can help you pass the time before bedtime.

Getting Your Results

The physician who ordered your sleep study should have the results within two weeks and is typically the doctor that will discuss the results with you. With certain sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, it may be necessary to have you return to the sleep laboratory for a second treatment-related study. Your treating physician will make this determination.

Treatments and Therapy

Treatments and therapies varies, depending on the type of sleep disorder. Some include:
  • positive airway pressure devices that help keep the airway open during sleep;
  • Medications
  • Surgery in the nasal/airway region
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Dental appliances

Your Sleep Study

Preparation for your study begins with the process of placing special sensors on various points of your body. Depending on the type of sleep study prescribed, the sensors may be placed in the following locations:
  • On your scalp
  • On your forehead
  • On your temples
  • Near your eyes
  • On your shin
  • Under your nose
  • On your chin
  • On your finger
  • On your chest
  • On your legs

Some sensors are placed using a type of medical paste and you should not experience any pain or discomfort with this process.

After the placement of the sleep monitoring sensors, you are free to relax until bedtime. Please inform the technologist of your normal sleep and waking times. When possible we will try to accommodate your sleep schedule.

While it might seem a bit awkward to sleep with the many wires running from your sensors to your bedside monitoring equipment, these should not create any discomfort or impair your normal ability to sleep or get up during the night, should you need to use the restroom.

The technologist will be nearby and will be continually monitoring your sleep study on a sleep diagnostic system.

In the morning, the monitoring sensors will be removed. You may use the restroom, freshen up, and get dressed for discharge. The result of your sleep study will be forwarded to your sleep physician for interpretation and recommended treatment.

For More Information or Assistance

If you have any special needs, please contact us at the number on your appointment confirmation so that we can make your stay easy and comfortable.

On the morning, you will be asked to fill out a patient satisfaction survey. We would greatly appreciate your feedback. We use patient feedback to monitor the quality of our service continually and to make continual improvements.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to assist your physician with your sleep diagnostic and treatment needs.

Types of Sleep Disorders

  • Apnea (Blocked airway or incorrect brain signals)
  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) 
  • Hypersomnia (Extreme daytime sleepiness)
  • Insomnia (Inability to sleep or sustain sleep)
  • Narcolepsy (Uncontrollable urges to sleep)
  • Panic Disorder (Awakening chest pain and Panic)
  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (limb movements)
  • REM Behavior Disorder (Dream enactment while asleep)
  • Restless Leg Syndrome  ( Leg movements preventing sleep)
  • Shift Work Disorder (Sleep problems due to shift hours)/
  • Sleep Paralysis (Inability to move upon awakening)
  • Sleep Terrors (Unremembered frightening dreams)
  • Plus over 60 others
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Most Commonly Asked Questions...

What is a sleep study? 

Usually performed in a private sleep room, a sleep study involves the analysis of your body's sleep patterns. This involves the placement of special sensors on your body to record the activity of your heart, lungs, brain, and muscles. Air flow from your nose and mouth as well as the level of oxygen in your blood are also measured these data are monitored and recorded over the entire night by a technologist. 

With an overnight sleep study, will I need to take the next day off?

Not usually. Before bedtime give the technologist your time schedule so that the ample time can be allowed for getting up, removing the sensors, and freshening up before you go to work or school.

Will I be given any shots, injections, or medications during my sleep?

No. The only medical devices which will be used are special sensors and they are placed on the surface of our skin using a medical paste.

If I take over-the-counter or prescription drugs before bedtime, would I also do this before a sleep study? 

Typically yes; however, we ask that you check with your referring physician before your sleep study to be sure.

Can I get up to use the restroom during the night?

Yes. The technologist will show you what needs to be done if you need to get up during the night or you may call the technologist to assist you at that time.