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Welcome to Universal Sleep Lab, Inc

Universal Sleep Lab is a comprehensive Sleep Center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment sleep/wake disorders. We are fully accredited by Joint Commission and follow all Standards of the Academy of Sleep Medicine.

 

Below Are Common Questions That You May Find Helpful?

What is a Sleep Disorder and how do I know if I have one?

A sleep disorder is a problem that interferes with the quality or quantity of sleep. Most people also complain of daytime problems related to poor sleep. Many people do not know they have sleep problems. Sleep Apnea is a common, serious, potentially life-threatening condition that is generally misunderstood. Sleep Apnea occurs when the person’s airway becomes blocked during sleep. The person suddenly gasps for breath. Medical research is now revealing how poor sleep contributes to health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, poor daytime functioning, accidents, mental problems, and depression.

There are two types of Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • OSA is the most common Sleep Apnea in which the patient snores and holds their breath (apnea) while asleep.
  • The snoring and the apnea are usually caused by excess tissue at the back of the throat relaxing during sleep and closing the opening of the airway.
  • Snoring alone may not be life-threatening, but it can certainly be the main cause of sleep apnea.
  • OSA may occur several time or several hundred times during the night’s sleep cycle.

 

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

  • CSA is much less common than OSA, but still a very serious problem.
  • With CSA, the brain and the lungs “fail to communicate” and breathing stops.

 

Who are affected by Sleep Apnea?

  • All people- men and women- adult and children
  • Usually middle-aged, overweight men and women
  • Typically have small jaws and large tongues
  • Enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids
  • Deviated septum and/or nasal polyps

 

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call the sleep lab at 252-332-1868 to schedule an appointment after you see your physician. We have qualified staff clinicians to answer your questions Monday thru Friday 8am – 5pm. If you need a sleep study to make a diagnosis this will be scheduled during the visit.

 

What is a sleep study?

  • A Sleep Study (or Polysomnogram) is a common overnight test that is used in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
  • The sleep study involves monitoring and recording of the heart, brain, muscle activity, eye movements, breathing and blood oxygen levels.
  • The sleep study is not invasive and is painless.
  • Electrode sensors are attached to your head, near your eyes, chin, and on your chest and legs. Straps are placed around your chest and abdomen.

What will happen during the study?

You will arrive at the center around 8pm and spend the night in our comfortable, hotel-like laboratory. Painless electrodes are attached to the body to measure your specific information. Registered Sleep Technicians monitor your sleep all night, gather data, and answer further questions. You will be awakened around 6:30 am and may go home. Your sleep study information is reviewed by the physician in detail to determine if you have a sleep disorder. You will be contacted about your results within 2 weeks or less.

 

How are sleep disorders treated?

Treatment is different for different diagnoses. If you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, Narcolepsy, or Insomnia, the details of treatment will be discussed with you. Medications and/or CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are commonly prescribed for Sleep Apnea. If you have another condition it will be discussed with you in detail. Full education on your condition will help you and the sleep specialist make choices in your treatment for maximum relief of symptoms.

 

Will the costs be covered by my insurance?

Once we receive information regarding your insurance carrier, we will verify your coverage and will discuss this with you. You may have co-payments for office visits and/or the sleep study.