About the Program
The Philadelphia VA Medical Center Sleep Center is a state-of-the-art 4-bed facility located in Building 1, 4 East. Services include evaluations in the outpatient sleep disorders clinics as well as in-laboratory and at-home sleep testing using state-of-the-art equipment. The Sleep Center is accredited by
the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Contacting the Sleep Center:
Telephone number 215-823-4435
Fax number 215-823-5194
Home Monitoring Program
In addition to the standard in-laboratory sleep testing performed in the Sleep Center, the center uses portable monitoring equipment that allows patients with suspected sleep apnea to perform their sleep evaluations at home. Veterans with clinically suspected sleep apnea are instructed
how to apply the sensors at home prior to bedtime. They return or mail the monitors the following day and the recordings are analyzed and interpreted. Veterans diagnosed with sleep apnea are then sent home with another portable monitor, auto-titration CPAP, for one week that establishes
the effective CPAP pressure for treatment.
Research Activities
The Sleep Center serves as a potential resource for any clinical researcher at PVAMC as long as the activity does not interfere with the Sleep Center's routine clinical activities. The Sleep Center is performing research-related home and in-laboratory sleep testing on participants enrolled in
PVAMC IRB approved research protocols. Investigators are charged the technical cost of performing the services. For further information, contact Sam Kuna, M.D., at 215-823-5800, ext. 4400.
Educational Activities
The Sleep Center serves as an academic resource to medical students, residents and fellows at the University of Pennsylvania. Medical students and physicians-in-training rotate through the outpatient sleep clinics to learn how to recognize, diagnose and treat various sleep disorders including insomnia, parasomnias, and disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness such as obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Educational materials consisting of video lectures, CDs of pertinent scientific articles, and handouts are used to enhance the training experience. For further information, contact Sue McCloskey, NP, at 215-823-5800, ext. 4435.
Sleep Study Information for Patients
What Patients Can Expect During an Overnight Sleep Study in the Sleep Center
After arriving at the Sleep Center, a sleep technician will apply several sensors to your head, face, and body. These sensors give us information about your breathing, snoring, oxygen level, heart rate, movement during sleep, and sleep stages. You will also be asked to complete several questionnaires. After applying all the sensors, the technician will provide you with a private bedroom for sleeping. The technician will monitor your sleeping and breathing throughout the night. You may be asked to try wearing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during your study if you have sleep apnea during the first several hours of the study. In the morning, the technician will awaken you and all sensors will be removed. You will again answer several questionnaires. After your sleep study is completed, you will be contacted by telephone by the Sleep Center or your provider to discuss the results of the study and further follow-up appointments. If you do not receive this information within 2 weeks of your study, please call the Sleep Center at 215-823-4435 EXT 1.
How to Prepare for an Overnight Sleep Study in the Sleep Center
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Bring any medications that you will need to take while at the Sleep Center.
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Please be prompt for your scheduled sleep study time.
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Bathe or shower before coming to the appointment, paying special attention to the head and neck areas. This will help the sleep study staff apply the monitoring patches for the study.
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Avoid using any conditioners, oils, lotions, or makeup prior to arriving for your sleep study. Again, this will help the sleep study staff apply the monitoring patches for the study.
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You will NOT be provided dinner at the Sleep Center prior to or during your sleep study. Please eat your evening meal before arriving at the Sleep Center.
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You may bring personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap) for use before and after the sleep study. Your personal belongings will be secured during the sleep study in the Sleep Center. Please do NOT bring more than what you will need for personal hygiene in the morning after your sleep study. Secure storage space is limited.
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You will wear your personal pajamas or hospital gown for the sleep study.
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Televisions are available in each bedroom.
Where is the Sleep Center Located?
The Sleep Center is located on the 4th floor of the Medical Center in the east wing of Building 1. Parking is available on level A or B of the parking garage. When you enter the Medical Center lobby from the parking garage, go straight down the long hallway and take the second RIGHT hallway. Walk almost to the end of this second hallway to the elevators located just past the cafeteria near the Police Office. Take these elevators to the 4th floor. When you exit the elevators on the 4th floor, turn LEFT. At the end of the short hallway, turn RIGHT. The Sleep Center is down the hallway on your left.
How Patients Can Obtain CPAP/BIPAP Supplies
Patients can obtain supplies for their CPAP or BIPAP apparatus by calling the Sleep Center at 215-823-4435, extension 2. They should receive the supplies in the mail within one week.
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