Sleep Diagnostics

AASM SealGetting a good night’s rest is critically important to leading a healthy lifestyle. However, quality sleep isnot possible for some patients due to underlying chronic conditions, such as obesity, hypoventilation syndrome, end stage COPD, and neuromuscular disorders.

Lack of sleep can lead to health problems including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses. The team at Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics provide a comprehensive program to diagnose and treat all sleep disorders, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, snoring, and narcolepsy using the latest sleep testing technology. With both in-house testing and home study options available, our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to helping you get a good night’s sleep every night.

Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics is a fully accredited by AASM – American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

In-lab sleep studySleep-Study-Room-web.jpg

The overnight sleep study is a comprehensive test performed in our lab to diagnose sleep disorders and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

After arriving at Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics on State Street in Bangor, patients are greeted by trained and certified sleep technologists and set-up with the monitoring equipment. An important goal is to have patients ready to go to sleep close to their regular bedtime as comfortably as possible with the monitoring equipment. The facility's private monitoring rooms are designed for the patients' comfort.

The specialists will tailor the study request to each patient's specific symptoms, condition, and needs.
 

Home sleep study

Under physician direction, we offer home sleep studies. A home sleep study may be useful for evaluating sleep apnea. Breathing during sleep is monitored using a portable device. This study is especially useful for initial screenings for sleep apnea.

To prepare for the study, patients first meet with a sleep technologist to obtain instructions on how to connect the portable device. During that night, in their home, they attach the device as instructed and sleep according to their normal routine. Patients then return the equipment the following day; the data is downloaded and interpreted by one of Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics specialists.
 

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On the day of your scheduled test: Sleep-masks-web.jpg

  • Bring two-piece pajamas and personal items (books, magazines, videos, etc.)
  • Remain awake the day of the study.
  • If you take prescription medications, please only bring with you what you will need to take while you are with us, in original containers, so they may be taken on schedule. Please note: some medications may interfere with your sleep and may require you to skip a doze. Please bring a list of all medications to your initial appointment so we may review them.
  • Please bathe and shampoo your hair before coming to the sleep lab. Do NOT put any conditioners, hair sprays, or oils on your hair so electrodes may be applied to your scalp.
  • Please have your evening meal before arriving for the sleep study.
  • Please avoid any foods or activities that might interfere with your ability to sleep, including caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, late-day exercise, scary movies, etc.
 

What to expect: 

  • When you arrive at Northern Light Sleep Diagnostics, the technician will apply several electrodes and sensors to your head and other parts of your body. This process will take a little time, so you will not be able to go to bed as soon as you arrive.
  • You will be allowed to go to sleep in a private room. The technologist will be present via video all night to monitor breathing, heart rate, brain wave activity, and body movements during sleep. Electrodes and sensors may need to be adjusted throughout the night.
  • TV, radio, and cell phones are not allowed once the test has begun.
  • The actual test will be a minimum of six hours.
  • If no other testing has been scheduled, you may leave after the sleep study is complete.
  • Shower facilities are available. Please bring soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.
  • If you are staying for a daytime test, breakfast and lunch will be provided.
  • Your test results will be analyzed by a board-certified sleep physician. The results will be sent to the physician who referred you to Sleep Diagnostics.
 

Sleep test results

Results of your sleep test will be sent to your doctor as soon as possible. Please note, when you receive your billing for these tests, you will receive two statements. The hospital bill includes charges for technicians, equipment, and supplies. The physician bill includes charges for the supervision and interpretation of the test results.

 
 

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