Sleep Medicine
Self-tests for Sleep Disorders
A doctor's referral is required for a sleep study.
A poor night’s sleep isn’t just frustrating — it can affect your overall health and quality of life. If falling asleep or staying asleep is a regular struggle, you may have a sleep disorder. Left untreated, disorders like insomnia can increase your risk diabetes, heart failure, obesity, anxiety and depression.
At NKC Health, we know how much better life feels when you’re well-rested. Our sleep specialists take time to listen, figure out what’s getting in the way of your sleep and, if needed, guide you through a simple sleep study. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you get the deep, refreshing rest you’ve been missing.
Sleep disorders we treat
A sleep disorder disrupts how well and how long you sleep. Our team at the NKC Health Sleep Center diagnoses and treats a wide range of sleep disorders, such as:
- Sleep apnea – A serious condition where your breathing becomes very shallow or stops and restarts many times during sleep.
- Insomnia – Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Hypersomnia – Feeling extremely sleepy during the day, even on a full night’s rest.
- Narcolepsy – Experiencing sudden, overwhelming sleepiness during the day.
- REM behavior disorder – Acting out your dreams during sleep without realizing it.
- Circadian rhythm disorder – When your body’s internal clock is out of sync, making it hard to know when to be awake or asleep.
- Periodic limb movement disorder – Repeatedly moving the legs during sleep, often linked to restless leg syndrome.
- Parasomnias – Seeming awake, but not fully conscious, such as sleep walking, sleep terrors, sleep talking or sleep paralysis.
Diagnostic sleep studies center
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At the NKC Health Sleep Center — right here in the Northland – you’ll work with board-certified sleep doctors and expert technologists who specialize in uncovering what’s standing in the way of good rest. A sleep study is safe, painless and one of the most effective ways to understand what’s happening while you sleep.
Whether you need an appointment during the day or overnight, our sleep center at 8640 North Green Hills Road is open five days and seven nights each week.
Because a sleep study can feel different from a standard doctor’s visit, our team takes time to make you feel comfortable and know what’s ahead. When you arrive, you’ll meet our registered sleep technologists, who are trained in doing sleep studies. They’ll explain the process, answer your questions and set up a study designed for you.
During the study, we gently place small sensors on your head, chest and legs. These monitor your breathing, heart rate and brain activity while you’re asleep. Most people hardly notice the sensors once they are in place.
Once your study is complete, your doctor reviews the results and talks about any treatment options that may help. Results are usually ready within two weeks. You also can check them in the Patient Portal.
Because we don’t use sleep medications for your test, you can travel to and from your appointment just like you would for a regular doctor’s visit.
Plan to spend about eight hours with us for an in-lab sleep study (overnight if you sleep at night or during the day if you work night shifts). Your time here includes setup and monitoring.
You’ll stay in a private room with a comfortable full-size bed, nightstand, Wi-Fi and television. A full bathroom is just down the hall, so you’ll have everything you need to feel at ease.
Before your test, we’ll call you to learn more about your sleep schedule and answer any questions.
If your doctor suspects that you may have obstructive sleep apnea, they might recommend a simple sleep test you can do at home. Here’s what to expect:
- Schedule a 30-minute visit at our sleep center. At this appointment, we’ll go over a short sleep history questionnaire and show you how to use the sleep test equipment.
- Take the equipment home and wear it overnight while you sleep.
- Return the sleep test equipment on the next business day.
- Review your results. Your doctor will review the findings with you and talk about possible next steps. Results are usually ready within two weeks. You also can check them in the Patient Portal..
Note: A home sleep test only checks for obstructive sleep apnea. If your doctor suspects another sleep disorder or you need further testing, you may be scheduled for an in-lab sleep study instead.
To schedule a home sleep test or in-lab study, you’ll need a doctor’s referral. Insurance companies require a face-to-face office visit or telemedicine visit with your doctor first. Your doctor can’t order a sleep test based on a request by phone or through the Patient Portal.
Call (816) 691-5096 for more information, or for help with a referral.
Better sleep starts here
Not every sleep problem needs medicine. Sometimes, small changes in your routine can make a big difference. Try these simple tips for healthier, more restful nights:
- Avoid alcohol at least two hours before bed so your body can fully rest.
- Move your body every day but wrap up workouts a few hours before bedtime.
- Keep a steady sleep schedule, even on weekends. Your body loves routine.
- Wind down with meditation, reading or another calming activity before bed.
- Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime to help your brain relax.
- Limit daytime naps so you’re ready to sleep at night.
- Say no to caffeine at least five hours before bedtime.
- Reserve your bed for sleep and intimacy. Make it a place your body associates with rest.
When to reach out for help
Talk with your doctor if:
- You’ve tried healthy sleep habits for a few weeks but still struggle.
- Trouble sleeping affects your mood, energy or focus during the day.
- You snore heavily and often. This could be a sign of sleep apnea.
- Your child snores. (Our sleep center only sees patients 18 years and older. Contact your child’s pediatrician about pediatric testing.)
Your primary care doctor may connect you with a sleep specialist, such as a neurologist or pulmonologist, who can help find answers and solutions.
Explore our video resources
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Sleep Study |
Sleep Tips |
Contact Us
Call (816) 691-5096 for more information about our sleep studies.