Sleep Centre
Overview
Our Sleep Disorders Labs are dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients with sleep-related disorders.
The conditions we see include difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep at night or difficulty staying awake during the day.
Sleep apnea – momentary cessation of breathing while sleeping – is one of the most common disorders. It can interrupt sleep hundreds of times a night. Some sleep disorders are potentially fatal.
Symptoms of potential sleep disorders
Constant drowsiness
Irritability
Loud or irregular snoring
Difficulty breathing during sleep
Morning headache, sore throat or mouth dryness
Loss of energy
Services
Services at the Civic Campus Sleep Disorders Laboratories are provided by professionals experienced in sleep-related disorders and sleep-exacerbating diseases.
Our laboratories have 15 private rooms with single beds. The rooms are quiet, darkened and air-conditioned. We also have washrooms and a shower.
What to expect on your visit
When you arrive for your overnight sleep session, you will be shown where you will sleep and asked to change into their sleepwear. Our staff will then connect sensors to your body. We use scalp, facial, chest and leg electrodes, and a nasal airflow sensor. The polysomnography technologist applying the electrodes will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
When the connections are complete, you are asked to lie down in your bed. After we check to see that all the sensors are working properly, you can sleep as you would at home. For example, you can roll over, use your personal pillows and go for bathroom breaks.
A technologist is available at any time to provide assistance (e.g. washroom). The overnight test lasts approximately seven hours. The technologist may enter your room to make technical adjustments, but we try to interfere as little as possible. We like our patients to enjoy uninterrupted sleep as much as possible.
The study is interpreted following the overnight sleep session first by a technologist, then by the physician.
What to do (or not do) before coming for a sleep study
- Please eat a normal meal before 7 p.m.
- Do not have any caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate) after noon on the day of the test.
- On the day of your test, please do not drink any alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor, coolers, “hard lemonade”, etc.).
- We strongly suggest you refrain from napping on the day of your test.
- If you have a tendency to feeling sleepy when you drive, please have someone else drop you off and pick you up the next morning.
Men
If you normally shave, please shave in the evening before you come to the lab. This will help us obtain better recordings. Patients with beards are not expected to shave. Wash your hair.
Women
Wash your hair and abstain from using hair spray. Wash your face but do not use face cream or moisturizers. Wear little or no make-up.
What to bring when coming for a sleep study
- Sleepwear you feel comfortable in. Do not buy sleepwear for the occasion. Even sweat suits are suitable.
- Your own pillow if it helps you sleep.
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
- Any medication you normally take.
Appointments
All patients must be referred by a physician.
Referring physicians can download and complete our Sleep Centre requisition form and fax it to us.
Contact us
Sleep Centre
613-798-5555 ext. 15353
613-761-5211
The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9