1200 North 7th Street, Chariton, Iowa 50049 | Phone: (641) 774-3000 | Fax: (641) 774-3233
Are you having trouble sleeping at night? You’re not alone. Sleep disorders can affect your energy, mood, memory, and overall health. Many sleep disorders are treatable once properly diagnosed, but identifying the cause is an important first step.
At Lucas County Health Center, our knowledgeable team partners with SomniTech to provide sleep testing services that help identify sleep-related concerns and guide your next steps toward better rest and improved health.
Could you benefit from a sleep study?
If you’re experiencing ongoing sleep concerns or have certain health conditions, it may be worth talking with your provider about a sleep study. Signs, symptoms, and conditions that may warrant further evaluation include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Lack of energy or persistent fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Memory or concentration problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Shift work or irregular sleep schedules
In-Lab Sleep Studies
A traditional sleep study typically involves an overnight stay in our sleep lab. Our sleep rooms are designed to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment and are located away from other patient areas to help minimize noise and interruptions.
What To Expect
We partner with SomniTech for sleep study services. Your healthcare provider will send a referral to SomniTech, and their team will contact you to schedule your appointment at LCHC.
During your study, a trained sleep technologist will attach small sensors to monitor different aspects of your sleep, including:
- Sleep stages and interruptions
- Eye movement to identify REM sleep
- Muscle activity and relaxation
- Heart rate
- Arm and leg movements
- Snoring
- Breathing patterns
- Blood oxygen levels
Once the sensors are in place, you’ll be able to relax in your room, read, watch TV, or prepare for bed as you normally would. When it’s time to sleep, a low-light video camera will record your movements while the technologist monitors your study from a nearby room.
If a sensor comes loose or you need assistance during the night, your technologist will be available to help.
After your study, SomniTech will collect and analyze the information. The results will be shared with your healthcare provider to help identify possible sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, parasomnias, restless legs syndrome, and others.
Home Sleep Studies
For some patients, an at-home sleep test may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to an overnight sleep study. These tests allow you to complete sleep testing in the comfort of your own home, and they are covered by most insurance plans.
How It Works:
- Initial Evaluation: Our team will schedule an evaluation to determine whether a home sleep test is appropriate for you. Not everyone qualifies, including some patients with heart failure, severe pulmonary disease, and other health conditions.
- Take the Test Home: If you’re a candidate, you’ll receive a home sleep testing device to use overnight. You’ll return the device the following day.
- Review Your Results: Your test results will be reviewed and forwarded to your healthcare provider. Depending on the findings, additional testing, such as an in-lab sleep study, may be recommended.
Insurance Coverage
For some patients, an at-home sleep test may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to an overnight sleep study. These tests allow you to complete sleep testing in the comfort of your own home, and they are covered by most insurance plans.