Sleep Disorders Center
Appointments
A Collaborative Approach to Sleep Disorders
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Sleep Disorders Center is one of the most experienced and comprehensive centers in New England for the evaluation and treatment of patients with sleep disorders. In fact, we are one of only a few sleep disorders centers in the state of Massachusetts to be fully accredited by the American Sleep Disorders Association. The Center has been in operation for more than 20 years, and more than 15,000 patients have been evaluated to date.
Housed within the Department of Neurology, the Sleep Disorders Center combines the expertise of sleep specialists in the departments of Neurology, Pulmonary Medicine, Otolaryngology and Psychiatry to provide a full range of outpatient and sleep laboratory services. Collaboration among specialists is the cornerstone of care at Lahey. All Lahey specialists share the same medical records, and most consultations are in one building-often on the same day-facilitating both communication among doctors and the reporting of test results to our patients.
We are equipped to evaluate all sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and other causes of excessive sleepiness; night terrors and other parasomnias; and movement disorders in sleep.
To request an appointment with a sleep disorders specialist, please call Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s main appointment line at 781-744-8000.
Testing appointments with the Sleep Laboratory are available by physician referral only. If applicable, please have your doctor call 781-744-8249.
Sleep Device Risks
Philips initiated a voluntary recall for several sleep devices used for treating breathing problems.
Sleep Laboratory & Clinics
Sleep Disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and other causes of excessive sleepiness; night terrors and other parasomnias; and movement disorders in sleep, are evaluated at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Sleep Laboratory.
Testing appointments with the Sleep Laboratory are available by physician referral only. If applicable, please have your doctor call 781-744-8249.
Why Do I Need a Sleep Study?
In order for us to fully evaluate your sleep and any potential sleep disorders, an all-night sleep test, also called a polysomnogram (PSG), may be done. The test records brain waves, breathing, heart rate, oxygen, muscle tone and other functions. After the study, a sleep specialist will review and interpret the record to help you and your health care provider understand your specific sleep disorder. Treatment recommendations will be made when your medical history and the results of your physical examination and sleep test have been reviewed.
Learn More About Our Sleep Disorders Center
What Can I Expect?
Many people expect a sleep center to be cold, bright, technical and impersonal looking. At Lahey Clinic’s Sleep Center, the surroundings are homey and comfortable, similar to a hotel room.
When you arrive at the Center — usually between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm — the technician will greet you and show you to your bedroom. You will be shown the equipment that will be used and given a chance to ask questions. You should inform the technician of any changes in your sleep or specific difficulties you have not already discussed with your health care provider. Your wake-up time will also be confirmed.
While you are sleeping, various important body functions and measurements are recorded. The technician will monitor your sleep throughout the night from a nearby room. Electrode wires will be gathered together behind your head so you can roll over and change positions.
Overview
Lahey’s CPAP Clinic is available on a referral-only basis to patients who are having issues with CPAP therapy or problems initiating CPAP. The Clinic is open during daytime hours, and appointments generally last 30 to 60 minutes. If you are presently using a CPAP/BiPAP machine, it is important that you bring all of your equipment to the appointment.
During your visit, a registered sleep technologist will go over the use of the CPAP/BiPAP machine with you. If you are currently using CPAP, the technician will be able to check the pressure of your machine for accuracy, as well as your mask for proper sizing and type. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the use of your equipment and be able to address any concerns or usage problems. If you have not initiated CPAP/BiPAP treatment, the technician will work with you regarding your specific issues.
Your physician will receive a written evaluation of this appointment, which will include any necessary recommendations. It is up to the referring physician to follow through on these recommendations as clinically appropriate.
Lahey’s Sleep Laboratory
The Sleep Laboratory, located at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Mass., consists of six bedrooms and two adjacent technicians’ areas. Both polysomnograms (all-night sleep studies) and multiple sleep latency tests are performed. Physiologic activities such as EEG, EKG, breathing, snoring and muscle activities are monitored, and an audiovisual recording is made.
The laboratory is equipped with a CPAP/BIPAP unit for the evaluation of appropriate positive-pressure levels in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Overview
A multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is a diagnostic study used to evaluate patients with suspected narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness. This test requires that you stay at the Sleep Center for most of the day for a series of short naps, scheduled at set intervals throughout the day. The amount and type of sleep you get during naps can help sleep specialists better understand your sleep complaints and make decisions about specific sleep disorders and treatments. Frequently, multiple sleep latency tests will be performed the day after an all-night sleep test.
What Can I Expect?
A qualified sleep technologist performs the study. The technologist will apply the various electrodes used to record brain waves, eye movement and muscle tone activity. Throughout the day you will be given four or five opportunities to fall asleep and take a short nap. These naps are usually scheduled with two-hour intervals in between. During these two-hour intervals, you will need to stay awake.
The study will be evaluated by a technologist and reviewed by a physician. A report will be available within two to three weeks, and you or your physician will be contacted with the results. Some patients will require a return appointment.
Lahey’s Sleep Laboratory
The Sleep Laboratory consists of 10 bedrooms total, with six located at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Mass., and four based at Lahey Medical Center, North Shore, in Peabody, Mass. Adjacent to the bedrooms are technicians’ areas to monitor patients’ sleep patterns. Both all-night sleep studies and multiple sleep latency tests are performed.
The laboratory is equipped with a CPAP/BiPAP unit for the evaluation of appropriate positive-pressure levels in the treatment of sleep apnea.
Meet the Sleep Disorders Center Team
