Sleep medicine in Chicagoland | Ascension
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Get care for sleep disorders in Chicagoland

Sleep specialists at Ascension Illinois provide sleep studies and personalized care for sleep disorders.
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When you don’t get enough sleep, you may experience physical, mental and emotional health concerns. Experienced sleep medicine specialists at Ascension Illinois diagnose and treat even the most complex sleep disorders. Our goal is to help find the cause of your sleep condition and work with you to create a care plan to help improve your sleep.

If you are showing signs of anxiety, sleep walking, night terrors, or have trouble staying awake, talk with a sleep specialist. Your doctor starts by listening to you, to better understand your concerns. Then, your doctor may recommend a sleep study to help diagnose your condition and deliver personalized care that’s right for you.

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Specialized care for sleep disorders

Sleep specialists at Ascension Illinois diagnose and treat many sleep disorders, including:

  • Circadian rhythm disorder
  • Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)
  • Difficulty staying awake (narcolepsy)
  • Dream enactment
  • Jerky legs while sleeping (periodic limb movement disorder)
  • Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Sleep paralysis
  • Sleep talking
  • Sleepwalking and night terrors (parasomnia)
  • Snoring

Our multispecialty care team include sleep and respiratory therapists, ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeons, nurses, and more.

Some sleep disorders may be related to other physical or emotional health conditions. If you need more care, we connect you to the specialty care that supports your needs.

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Specialized sleep studies at our sleep lab

When chronic snoring, fatigue and daytime sleepiness affect your daily life, your sleep medicine specialist may refer you to our sleep lab. Your care team will provide you with a personalized sleep study to help diagnose your condition. When you arrive at our sleep lab, you’ll have a private room and private bathroom. Your room will also include pillows and blankets to help make you more comfortable.

Sleep studies are non-invasive. You will wear a mask attached to a ventilation machine. Sensors are used to monitor your brain, heart and lung function. During the study, your sleep doctor may want to include:

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration study to help determine the right CPAP device setting for your. During the overnight study, the CPAP device uses a mask and a machine to deliver the air pressure your needs to help improve their quality of sleep.

Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) study to help assess your breathing by using two different air pressures.

Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), also called a nap study, to measure your level of daytime sleepiness. This test helps diagnose narcolepsy.

Home-based sleep studies (HSAT)

Sometimes, at-home sleep apnea monitoring is recommended. We provide you with the sleep study device and instructions. Once you complete the sleep study, return the device to our sleep lab to be analyzed. After the study, a report with your results will be sent to your doctor. An order  is needed to schedule all sleep studies.

Refer a patient to a sleep specialist

Your patients and their family can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs, working with patients and families to develop an individualized care plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I get tested for a sleep disorder?

    Specialists at Ascension Illinois can provide a complete clinical evaluation, which may include an overnight, in-lab sleep study (a polysomnogram) at one of our state-of-the-art sleep labs or may suggest an at-home sleep apnea test. The sleep study requires an order from your doctor (just like a blood test or X-ray). If you need help finding a doctor and getting an order, or you’d like to make an appointment with a sleep medicine doctor, please call us at 855-692-6482.

  • My sleep is fine. Why is my doctor ordering a sleep study?

    We are often unaware of our behaviors while sleeping. A loved one may notice movements or changes that you do not. Your doctor may also order a sleep study because of risk factors for other health conditions. These conditions may include high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, or diabetes. Do you have frequent sinus infections or colds? Are you obese or have a family history of sleep apnea? These are some of the reasons a sleep study may be needed.

  • I’m awake all night. How can I have a sleep study?

    Many patients assume they don’t get any sleep, but they actually do. You may be experiencing a condition called sleep state misperception. Sleep state misconception is where you assume you are awake, when you’re really asleep. You may be underestimating how many hours of sleep you get per night.

  • Is the sleep study painful?

    No, the sleep study is noninvasive and painless. Your care team will attach sensors to monitor your brainwaves, heart rate, leg movements, oxygen level and other activity. This will help you and your doctor understand how you behave while sleeping. Many of these sensors have adhesive stickers that peel off easily in the morning. No needles or IVs are used.

  • How will I fall asleep with those wires on?

    Many people take a few minutes to get comfortable with the sensors and wires. Once the patient's preparation is complete, they may watch TV or read a book to relax. Most people fall asleep within 30 minutes of their usual time. If being unable to sleep is a major concern, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sleep aid for your study night.

  • What if I have to use the bathroom?

    If you need to go to the bathroom, please notify your care team. Your team member will carefully detach the jack box (with the wires) from the wall to give you free range of motion. Once you return, the jack box is plugged back in.

  • May I bring my family with me?

    Family members can accompany you to the sleep center and stay for a short period of time. They are not allowed to stay late or overnight. The exception is for parents of children under 18 years of age or for patients with special needs. Please note: animals (i.e. pet dogs or cats) are not allowed in the sleep lab, the only exception is assistance animals (i.e. guide dogs for the vision impaired).

  • What do I bring to my sleep study?

    Please bring comfortable sleeping clothes: pajamas, nightshirt, shorts, shirts, or sweatpants. We recommend layers for those who get cold at night. We have pillows and blankets (including heated blankets). Some patients prefer to bring their own pillows for maximum comfort. Be sure to bring any medications you take at night or in the morning as the sleep lab does not provide medications. Every lab site has a shower available for those who want to wash up before leaving the next day.

    Being evaluated by your doctor and getting tested for a sleep disorder are the first steps toward a restful and healthful night’s sleep.


Sleep health centers at Ascension Illinois