Choose at-home convenience or in-lab comprehensive testing at our Orange and Norwalk sleep centers.
ApneaLink™ Air device for convenient testing in your own bed
Comprehensive overnight monitoring in private, hotel-like rooms
Complete this brief questionnaire to determine whether sleep testing may benefit you.
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? Rate each based on your usual way of life in recent times.
Your Score: 0 out of 24
Your symptoms and medical history determine which sleep study provides the most accurate diagnosis.
Your sleep specialist recommends the appropriate test based on your specific symptoms and suspected condition.
| Step | What You’ll Do | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Picking Up Your Device | Visit our Orange or Norwalk office to receive your ApneaLink™ Air system. | Our staff provides a brief, hands-on demonstration of all device components before you leave. |
| Setup Before Bed (≈5 Minutes) | Position the nasal cannula, loop tubing over your ears, adjust the chin toggle, connect the recorder, and place the finger pulse oximeter. | Optional taping of the cannula tubing is available for active sleepers to ensure secure placement. |
| Starting Your Study | Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to activate the device. | Green indicator lights confirm proper setup and readiness. The central light dims after 10 minutes so it won’t disturb sleep. |
| Overnight Recording | Sleep normally in your own bed while the device records your breathing and oxygen levels. | No adjustments are needed during the night once all green lights are confirmed. |
| Completing Your Study | Press the power button for 3 seconds upon waking to stop the test. | A green “test complete” light confirms successful data collection. A red light indicates you should contact our office. |
| Returning the Device | Return the device to the Orange or Norwalk location. | Our clinical team reviews the data and delivers results within 3–5 days. |
In-lab sleep studies have additional scheduling considerations and guidelines for patients. This information will help prepare you for an in-lab study:
The in-lab sleep study process is more involved than at-home studies. Our team of nurses and sleep technologists will assist you throughout to ensure the clearest results.
| Step | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival & Check-In | 20–30 minutes | Arrive at the sleep center, complete any remaining paperwork, change into comfortable sleepwear, and settle into your private room. |
| Equipment Setup* | 45–60 minutes |
A sleep technologist measures head dimensions, marks electrode placement sites with a washable pencil, and applies monitoring equipment:
• Scalp electrodes for brain waves (EEG) • Facial electrodes (taped in place) • Snore microphone placed on the neck • Chest pads to monitor heart rhythm (EKG) • Elastic belts to measure breathing effort • Leg and arm movement sensors (EMG) |
| Equipment Testing | 5–10 minutes | The technologist calibrates the equipment. You’ll be asked to perform simple tasks such as opening and closing your eyes, moving them side to side, taking deep breaths, and briefly moving your arms and legs. |
| Overnight Monitoring | 6–8 hours | Sleep normally while data is recorded continuously. An infrared camera and two-way speaker allow the technologist to monitor from a separate room and reattach sensors if any become loose during the night. |
*Important Note: Modern electrodes do not involve. Electrode paste washes off with warm water. Skin preparation uses mild abrasive cleaning (feels like light exfoliation). Setup duration varies based on study complexity.
Some patients worry that they will not be able to sleep in a lab setting. Our sleep specialists have found it is extremely rare for patients to fail to fall asleep in our labs. If falling asleep proves difficult, studies can be rescheduled. Some physicians prescribe sleep aids that do not affect test results; your doctor can assist with the correct prescription if needed.
Due to the expertise required for accurate interpretation and diagnosis, results cannot be provided immediately. Here’s what to expect based on your test type:
| Stage | Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| At-Home Study Results | 3–5 business days | A board-certified sleep physician reviews and analyzes your at-home sleep study data to determine whether a sleep disorder is present. |
| In-Lab Study Results | 1–2 weeks | Comprehensive analysis of extensive physiologic data collected during the overnight sleep study, including brain activity, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels. |
| Results Discussion | Scheduled after analysis | A sleep specialist schedules a follow-up appointment to review findings, explain any diagnosis, and discuss treatment options tailored to your specific condition. |
Your sleep specialist determines appropriate testing based on your symptoms, medical history, and suspected condition. At-home testing works well for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea suspicion. In-lab studies are necessary when symptoms suggest complex disorders or when comprehensive monitoring is medically indicated.
Most patients sleep successfully despite concerns about unfamiliar environments or monitoring equipment. Inability to sleep at all is exceptionally rare. If adequate sleep doesn’t occur, testing can be rescheduled. Some physicians prescribe sleep aids that won’t interfere with test accuracy.
Medicare and most commercial insurance plans cover medically necessary sleep testing when ordered by a physician. Our staff verifies insurance benefits before scheduling and provides cost estimates for your specific coverage.
Contact our office immediately. The device may not have collected sufficient data. We’ll determine whether you need to repeat the at-home test or schedule an in-lab study for more reliable results.
Overnight guests cannot stay in sleep study rooms. Family members are welcome to accompany you to the facility, but cannot remain overnight in the testing room.
At-home testing typically begins within days of consultation. In-lab studies may require several weeks, depending on current scheduling. Contact our Orange or Norwalk office for current availability.
We conduct sleep studies at two convenient Connecticut locations: 521 Boston Post Road in Orange and 677 Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. Both facilities offer the same high-quality testing and amenities.
Persistent sleep problems deserve an accurate diagnosis through professional sleep testing. Our Connecticut sleep centers provide comfortable testing environments and expert analysis to identify sleep disorders that affect your health and quality of life.
Weekdays 9 am - 5 pm | Weekends: Closed
Weekdays 8 am - 8 pm | Weekends: 9 am - 5 pm
Did you know that DOCS has Primary care services, allergy testing & treatment, chiropractic care and more availabile in addition to urgent care?
Stop in or book now to come in to see one of our providers today!