Sleep Center FAQ | Contra Costa Sleep Center in Northern California CC Sleep Center BASS

Common Questions

Who we are…

Contra Costa Sleep Center, a 10-bed, full-service, state-of-the art center dedicated to providing high quality sleep medicine. Established in 1999, we are one of the largest sleep centers in Northern California.

Who we help…

Most patients referred to a sleep center are being evaluated for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. Therefore, the procedure is performed in this fashion unless stated otherwise by your physician.

Common Questions

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 925-935-7667 or info@ccsleepcenter.com.

In detail…

The following is a list of commonly asked questions and answers. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at 925-935-7667 or info@ccsleepcenter.com.

How long will the study last?

Ideally, we try to capture approximately six hours of sleep to assure a sufficient amount of data for analysis by the sleep disorders physicians.

Can a family member/friend stay with me during the study?

This is a medical procedure so it is not recommended that a family member/friend stay with you the entire night, unless there are special circumstances/needs. However, you may have someone stay with you during the set-up process, if that would help you feel more comfortable. The set-up takes about an hour. If the patient is a minor; a parent is welcome to stay the night with their child.

Am I in a room by myself?

You have your own private bedroom that contains a queen size bed. A technician, in a separate control room, will be monitoring your sleep throughout the night.

How will I sleep with all of the equipment attached to me? Won’t it be uncomfortable?

At first glance, you may feel appropriately attired for a film of the science fiction genre; however your freedom of movement throughout the night will be largely unrestricted. As long as you are mindful of the sensors and move with care, there is no reason why you can’t sleep in the position you find most comfortable. The technologist may ask you to roll to your side or on your back at some point, so that your sleep may be studied in all positions. Most of our patients experience either a minor change or improvement in their sleep quality.

Will the technologist be able to give me my results in the morning?

The technologist’s job is to record the most accurate information possible and to make you feel comfortable throughout the night. The overnight part of the study is really just the tip of the iceberg. Following the study, a thorough analysis and interpretation will be made by a qualified sleep disorders physician, along with recommendations for future therapy, if indicated. The results of your sleep study will be sent to your referring physician and to you, if you so desire, within 5-10 working days after your study.

I get very thirsty during the night, and awaken with a dry mouth. Can I keep some water at the bedside?

Yes. We do ask that patients refrain from any caffeinated beverages during the night, however, as they interfere with sleep.

I was given a brief introduction to CPAP prior to my study and viewed an educational video on this subject. Does this mean that CPAP will be a definite part of my study?

Patients are given an introduction prior to the study (unless the referring physician has indicated otherwise) to prepare them in the event that CPAP is indicated. The first few hours of your study determine if criteria for a trial of CPAP are met. If sufficient sleep is acquired, and the criteria established by the physicians for a trial of CPAP are met, a trial will be initiated.

What if I need to get up to go to the washroom?

The technologist recording your sleep study will be in the lab area throughout the night. A camera will monitor you and your voice will be audible via an intercom system for the duration of your study. Simply call the technologist, who will assist you in getting up and walking to the washroom. If you prefer not to walk to the washroom, urinals are always available. Let us know if you prefer a commode.

I will be leaving for work from the sleep center in the morning following the study. Will I be able to get to work on time?

Inform your technologist of any scheduling concerns before your study begins, and every attempt will be made to perform a complete study within those boundaries. Incidentally, bathing facilities are not located in the facility.

I usually take medication just before bedtime - should I avoid taking it on the night of my study?

Unless your physician has specifically instructed you otherwise, you should continue to take your normal medications before bedtime. In performing the study, we try to adhere to your normal routine as closely as we can within lab protocols. Please do list your medications on the pre-sleep questionnaire that the technologist gives you.

Will the physician contact me directly with the results?

If you were referred to the sleep center by your physician for a sleep study, your doctor will receive the interpretation of your study and you should contact your physician to discuss the results of your study.

What if I cannot fall asleep?

The technician will offer you a gentle sleep aid, Ambien, to assist you in falling asleep. Ambien will NOT affect the results of your study. The only way that your study is adversely affected is if you do not sleep.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions or concerns regarding my sleep study?

Our office staff and chief technologist are available between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday at (925) 935-7667 to answer your questions.