Sleep Disorders Center

Preparing a patient for observation at the Scott & White Sleep Lab.

Since 1983, the Scott & White Sleep Disorders Center has provided solutions for people with sleep problems ranging from insomnia and restless legs to sleep apnea. The Center has four sleep-trained physicians and one nurse practitioner. Patients receive consultations and follow-ups in sleep medicine in addition to consultations in all sleep-related specialties from otolaryngology to psychiatry. The Scott & White Sleep Disorders Center can treat any sleep condition. In addition to clinical consultations, the Center is fully staffed, and equipped with a 7-bed sleep laboratory that operates six days a week and offers sleep studies for both children and adults. Sleep studies are performed in a comfortable, dignified and peaceful environment.

Scott & White is one of only a few centers that provides immediate feedback from a sleep-trained physician the morning after a sleep study.

Patients are usually referred by their primary physicians, but self-referrals are also accepted. The appointment desk can be reached at 254-724-3227.

State-of-the-art Sleep Lab

This state of the art laboratory is located on the fourth floor of the Lucy King Brown Special Treatment Center (STC) at the Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas. Patients to be evaluated during the evening arrive at 7 p.m. and are attended by well-trained technologists who perform the studies requested by the sleep specialist. The Scott & White staff places special emphasis on the confidentiality, comfort, privacy and respect for patients’ needs during these sleep evaluations.

Procedures used in diagnosis

A detailed general medical history with an emphasis on sleep-related symptoms is always performed. Sometimes this may be all that is needed for a diagnosis.

• A physical exam is often necessary
• Special X-rays and blood studies may be ordered after the office evaluation
• A polysomnographic test is sometimes performed. This procedure consists of simultaneously recording several body functions while the patient sleeps. Brain wave activity, breathing patterns, heart rhythm and level of oxygen in the blood are some of the body functions monitored in the laboratory.

Sleep Laboratory Instructions

• Come prepared as if you are spending the night in a hotel or motel.
• If at all possible, shampoo your hair on the day of your scheduled sleep study.
• If you are scheduled for a night study, have dinner before reporting to the sleep laboratory.
• Pajamas or shorts can be worn by men during the study. Women can wear pajamas or a nightgown. Please leave valuables and personal items at home. You may bring your pillow.
• Where to report: The easiest access is through the rear entrance at the back of the hospital. You will go around the hospital and Emergency Dept., around the Medical Education Building and into the parking lot for Desk R and the Dialysis Center. After entering the automatic doors at Desk R, take the elevators to the fourth floor and follow the signs to the sleep lab.
• Bring any medications that you take at bedtime or in the morning.
• If you are a diabetic on insulin, bring the insulin and syringes, and a snack in case of a hypoglycemic episode.
• If you cannot find the sleep lab, call extension 4-4189 from any wall phone or dial 254-724-4189 from an outside line.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

The Scott & White Sleep Disorders Center was initially accredited by the American Sleep Disorders Association (now the American Academy of Sleep Medicine ) in 1984. Accreditation implies excellence in the evaluation and treatment of all sleep disorders.

Back to Top