My brochure that I wrote on a MSLT a type of sleep test.  

I would like my friends input on my newest brochure that I wrote on Narcolepsy. I wrote two versions. I will copy and past the second version because I think it flows better. I totally wrote this one on my own so I would like some help with the wording.

The Sleep Studies
In order for the doctor to gather all the information he needs to determine if you have a sleep disorder you will be staying at the sleep center for one night and until after 4 PM the next day. The first part of the night you will be having what is called a Polysomnogram (PSG) and the next day you will start the MSLT portion of the test.

What is a Polysomnogram (PSG)?
A PSG is the part of the sleep study where several sensors and electrodes are applied to your body and you sleep all night. If you have not gotten it ask for a brochure called: Your Night At One of Our Sleep Labs.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?
A MSLT is a sleep study that consists of a series of five twenty-minute nap periods that are taken two hours apart.

What is the doctor testing for?

Idiopathic hypersomnolence: In simple terms is an unexplained excessive daytime sleepiness even if you have gotten your regular 8 hours of sleep. Some people have this disorder and the doctors do not know why.

Narcolepsy:
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 2000. Narcolepsy usually begins around the ages of 15 to 25 but it can become evident at any age.
Symptoms: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) on a daily basis. The EDS stays with you no matter how much sleep you get and it can affect your day to day activities by clouding your judgment, lack of emergency and concentration, memory lapses, and with some people depression.
Cataplexy: Is a loss of muscle control with strong emotions for example laughing, crying or anger. The weakness can be as minor as slurred speech or a total body collapse depending upon which muscles are involved.
Hallucinations: Which are vivid dreams that feel real and can be frightening. They usually are visual but other senses can be involved.
Sleep Paralysis: Is the temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up. Sleep Paralysis can last seconds or minutes and you recover on your own.

Why do I need to stay that long?
Your physician needs to make sure you do not have any other sleep disorder and to see how well you slept the night before.

Do I take my regular medications?
Take all your regular medications unless directed by your physician. If you have any questions about taking your medications please call your physician. Bring in your daily medications that you will need the day of your sleep study.

What do I do between the naps?
It is important to stay awake between your five naps. You are encouraged to bring a book or magazines to read. You can bring in knitting crocheting or handwork to keep you busy. If you have a lap top computer you are welcome bring it in. We do not have Wi-Fi, so you will not be able to use the Internet. You will be allowed to watch TV between naps. All electrical appliances need to be turned off during naps.

Your sleep studies
The following information is designed to answer any questions you may have if you have been scheduled for a Polysomnogram (PSG) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) at on the California Sleep Centers. We hope it will make you feel more comfortable about the procedure and help you understand more about the tests. If after reading this you have any further questions please ask a member of our staff.

Preparing for your tests:
Please abstain from caffeine products (tea, coffee, chocolate and colas) from 10 AM the day of your sleep study. If you are sleepy during the day, get up and move around but do not take any naps. Please bring shorts, and lose fitting t-shirts to sleep in along with any other clothing needed for the following day. It is often a good idea to bring your own pillow so you will have a familiar comfort from your home. Please shower before your sleep study but do not apply body lotion or hair products afterwards. Men who are normally clean-shaven should shave as well.

Do I have to bring in my own food?
No the sleep center will provide breakfast and lunch for you on the day of your test. If you are on a special diet please notify the Sleep Center’s personnel ahead of time so they can be prepared. You will not be allowed any caffeine the day of your MSLT.

Do I have to have all the sensors on all day?
No. Some of the sensors will be taken off and are not needed for the MSLT.

What Sensors do I need to wear all day?

Measuring brain waves:
The sensors to measure you brain waves will be kept on the entire test. So we can tell if you are asleep and what stages of sleep you are in.

Measuring eye movement:
One or two sensors will be worn all day near your eyes to record eye movements in sleep. The sensors record eye movements during sleep to let the doctor know what stage of sleep you go in. This very important in diagnosing some sleep disorders.

Muscles tone:
The electrodes attached to your chin will stay in place all day to measure muscle tone. These electrodes are important in the diagnosis of different stages of sleep.

Measuring Heart rate:
The two electrodes from the PSG that measure your heat rate will remain in place. This allows the doctor to see if there are any changes in the heart rate
while you sleep.


It might not flow well because it is written in a tri-fold format. I hope you can understand it.

Have anyone of you ever written a brochure? Can anyone of you see any thing that I can improve on?
I will be submitting this next week.