Emory Decatur Hospital

Although a sleep study is safe, our Sleep Disorders Center has also taken the following steps to ensure your safety during any diagnostic sleep procedure:

All staff meet strict guidelines as Registered Sleep Technologists, Certified Sleep Technologists or have completed an Acceptable education in the sleep field and are eligible to sit for their registration exam. We do not employ students or hire employees for “On the Job Training” at this sleep facility.

We watch you closely all night. We stay awake watching all of your vital signs throughout the entire testing procedure. State-of-the-art advanced ECG (heartbeat) waveform software is integrated into our sleep software. This allows us to monitor your blood oxygen, heart rate and electrocardiogram waveform continuously throughout the night. If we identify a problem, our team is immediately assessing you and taking appropriate action. A defibrillator and oxygen is maintained on-site at all times for your safety. 

Fully trained physicians on staff and on-call. With a minimum of four board-certified sleep specialists on staff, a member of our medical team is always on call for you.

Yes, you may bring a pillow if it makes you more comfortable.

You may play a small handheld video game for a few minutes before sleep.

Yes, if you are under 18 years of age, a parent must attend to you during the test.

Patients with disabilities or significant needs are encouraged to have a loved one or friend stay with them. Spouses and other family members are not allowed to stay in the same room with the patient during the test, however, if notified ahead of time the sleep center can make arrangements for guests.

No, the rooms have individual climate controls for your comfort.

No, alarm clocks and watches are not allowed in the Center.

No, pets of any type are not allowed in the Center.

Emory Decatur Hospital is a preferred provider for many insurance plans. Our staff will work with your insurance company to determine coverage and let you know if the testing is covered. We will also let you know if any deductibles or co-payments are required.

You may bring your cell phone to the Center but it will be turned off throughout the study.

If your insurance company normally requires a referral for testing, you will need one for the sleep study. Please bring it with you when you register.

Yes. Please let us know of any special needs you may have when you make the appointment.

If you normally work nights and sleep during the day, we will schedule the test during the day. Let us know if you work evening or night shifts when you call to make your appointment.

The only medications you should bring are those that you normally take between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Take all other medications prior to arriving at the Center.

None of the sleep equipment is painful and the monitors are quite small. We gather all of the wires into a “ponytail” behind your head so you can easily roll over and change positions just as you would at home. The devices may feel strange on your skin, but most people find that they do not prevent them from falling asleep.

The Sleep Disorders Center is not a cold, impersonal place with flashing lights, alarms, and stiff hospital mattresses. Our bedrooms are quite homey and look more like a 5-star hotel room rather than a hospital.

The monitoring equipment and technologists are in a separate room so you can enjoy your privacy and you do not hear the equipment or people talking.

You should pack an overnight bag just as you would if you were staying overnight at a friend’s house or a hotel. You will also need to bring:

• Medication
• Driver's license
• Insurance card
• Snack if needed (a refrigerator is available)
• Reading materials
• Loose-fitting pajamas or a two-piece t-shirt and shorts