Making a diagnosis

For a good treatment a correct diagnosis is important; this means a good analysis of the sleep problem: what exactly is the problem and what is the cause? It is important to listen to what the patient says, but it is equally important to hear the story of the partner or parent.

To examine whether there is a sleep disorder and the nature of the disorder Kempenhaeghe has a very broad variety of examination methods. The specialist discusses with you which method or combination of methods is best for you. Parents are allowed to stay with their child during the tests.

Sleep/wake calendar

Before or directly after a (first) visit to the centre for sleep medicine you may be asked to complete a so-called sleep/wake calendar for a couple of days.

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Before or directly after a (first) visit to the centre for sleep medicine you may be asked to complete a so-called sleep/wake calendar for a couple of days. This sleep/wake calendar will provide important information to your specialist. The sleep/wake calendar will make clear how you experience your own sleep and wake pattern. Also during the treatment and/or counselling the sleep/wake calendar may be an aid to observe changes or improvements in your sleep/wake pattern.

Fill in the sleep/wake calendar carefully and as completely as possible. Do this on a fixed time during the day. You fill in your sleep/wake pattern of the past 24 hours. These are estimates. During the day and night, you do not have to make notes or something. Filling in the sleep/wake calendar will take you ten to fifteen minutes each day.

>>Click here for the sleep/wake calendar.
(Choose 'slaapwaakkalender')

You may also choose to fill in the list of sleep questions and the sleep/wake calendar through a special secure website. You then receive a log in code and further instructions.

Forms of sleep tests

Sleep registration

The most important and used examination method is sleep registration. An EEG recording always forms part of the sleep registration. EEG means electro-encephalogram. An EEG registers brain activity. Depending on the complaints, the breathing, the movement of arms and/or legs, the heartbeat and the sound (snoring) are registered.

Several small electrodes are attached to your body (your head, but sometimes other body parts as well). The electric activity of the brain and biological signals are registered and deviant patterns are traced. This provides an objective insight into the various sleep and wake phases and the quality of your sleep.

There are various forms of sleep registration. With differences in the time they take. Some examinations are done in daytime, other ones at night. During some examinations you will sleep, with other examinations you have to stay awake. In general, you will stay a night in the Kempenhaeghe for sleep registration. With so-called ambulatory examinations you may go home after they attached the electrodes. You will return the next day to have the electrodes removed again. Usually, you have to keep a sleep/wake calendar and a diary of your activities.

You may download further information here
>>click here.

Camera observation

It is often necessary to determine and assess your behaviour or movements during your sleep. Then also video recordings are made during the sleep registration. With some examinations laboratory assistants will constantly observe you via a monitor. In your bedroom in Kempenhaeghe recordings will be made using an infrared camera.

(Neuro) psychological examination

Persistent cognitive complaints (such as problems with perception, attention, memory, orientation, language) may be the reason for a neuro-psychological examination. (Neuro)psychological examination includes e.g. answering questions, performing tasks, measurement of response rate, and memory and reading tests. A psychology assistant will do the tests, but a psychologist will discuss the results with you.

A personality test where the patient completes a number of questionnaires may be required if there are indications that there is a connection between the sleep problems and personality characteristics.

Blood tests

In Kempenhaeghe, blood tests are mostly carried out to determine the most effective dose of a medicine. In Heeze, Kempenhaeghe has its own clinical chemical laboratory, allowing for on-site blood sample collection.

Lumbar puncture

Your complaints or the results of your tests may be cause to examine the spinal fluid. Below the spinal cord near the lumbar vertebrae there is some sort of cavity filled with spinal fluid. In order to tap fluid the doctor will insert a needle between your lumbar vertebrae in your back. With this type of spinal puncture the needle is not inserted in the spinal marrow. A lumbar puncture is usually performed following a form of sleep examination.

You do not have to prepare yourself for a lumbar puncture. The examination itself takes about five minutes. After the puncture you have to stay in bed for at least one hour. After the lumbar puncture you are not allowed to do any heavy physical activity.