Treatments we provide
Diagnostics:
- Overnight Sa02 (oximetry) monitoring
- Domiciliary (home) multi-channel sleep study
- Actigraphy monitor
Treatments:
- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure)
- MAS (mandibular advancement splint)
Other services available:
- Weight loss and control advice
- Sleep hygiene advice
- Smoking cessation
- Surgical review
- Sleep apnoea patients support group
The patient will need to attend the sleep diagnostics clinic at the Lister. They will have some routine tests and then they will have the sleep study equipment demonstrated by our staff. The study can then be done in the patient’s home and be returned the next morning.
Overnight Sa02 (oximetry) monitoring
This is a small device which attaches to the wrist and has one finger probe. It measures the oxygen levels in the blood and pulse rate throughout the night.
Domiciliary multi-channel sleep study
This is a more complex machine requiring the patient to wear five or six different leads. This includes belts round the chest and abdomen, a finger probe, leg probe and airway/snoring sensor.
Actigraphy
These monitors resemble a watch and are worn on the wrist. They are fully waterproof, so they can be worn all the time. They monitor activity over a period of a few days or weeks, helping the clinicians to assess sleep/wake cycles, insomnia and other sleep rhythm disorders.
Treatments offered
CPAP
A soft mask is attached to the CPAP machine that blows air through the nose or nose and mouth into the air passages to stop it collapsing during the night.
There is no overnight stay for a trial of CPAP. All patients have a two-hour appointment that involves:
- A group teaching session,
- Individual expert mask fitting
- Demonstration of the CPAP machine and
- A chance to sleep/relax on a bed with the equipment to ensure the best possible outcome.
All patients are followed up on a regular basis and provided with a maintenance and replacement service for the equipment.
MRD
The MRD is an oral device which keeps the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep which widens the upper airway reducing an obstruction. The maxillo-facial team would assess and be responsible for the fitting of MRD. This can have great outcomes for people with mild obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS).
Other services available
- Weight loss and control – 70% of people with obstructive sleep apnoea will be obese. 70% of people with Type II diabetes will have obstructive sleep apnoea. A timely referral to the dieticians will be made for anyone having difficulty with weight or diets.
- Sleep hygiene advice – information on how to improve poor sleep and promote a good night sleep.
- Smoking cessation – all patients are asked about their smoking status and offered referral to our trust advisor or referral to community teams
- Surgical review – in a small number of cases a surgical review may be required. Depending on need, patients could be referred to the Trust’s ear, nose and throat (ENT) team or to the Bariatric service at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
Referral to the sleep team
We strongly recommend the use of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) as a screening tool for identifying potential patients with OSAS (ESS≥11 regarded as significant).
Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire
All patients referred by a GP through the e-Referral system may well be seen in our pre-Assessment clinic. This involves a number of tests and questionnaires including lifestyle and symptoms. The patient will then take a sleep study machine home the same day. Advice and up to date information may be offered on smoking cessation, weight control, sleep hygiene and driving restrictions/responsibilities.
The results of analysed studies are discussed in weekly multi-disciplinary team meetings. Results will then be discussed with the patient at the consultation appointment with the physician or specialist nurse.
Newsletter
Read the latest Respiratory & Sleep Unit Newsletter (August 2020) here.
Please note that all the Sleep Support Group sessions have been cancelled until further notice, More information about this can be found in the latest Sleep Newsletter edition.
