An in-person, overnight sleep study may be required to diagnose certain sleep disorders or determine the best possible settings and methods of treatment when using CPAP.
Our sleep center gives patients a comfortable and private experience while taking advantage of the latest technology.
It will take about an hour to prepare you for the procedure. The technologists will attach sensors to you with a water-soluble paste and tape. The electrodes do not pierce the skin.
You may read in your room or watch TV in the lounge briefly until you are ready to go to sleep. Lights out is typically between 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The technologist monitors and records the data all night from a separate control room. You will typically be woken between 6 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.
Special Things to Know
- We perform in-person sleep studies on children as young as 16; parents may stay overnight with any patient under the age of 18 if they choose
- Sleep studies are conducted in private, comfortable rooms
- The sleep center offers bedrooms with a hospital bed
- Outside hallways are illuminated and the sleep laboratory is locked at night to ensure your security
- Your current insurance card
- Though not required, some patients prefer to bring their own blanket and/or pillow
- Reading material, tablet, laptop, etc.
- Comfortable pajamas
- List of all medications that you take
- Any medication that you will need to take before bed
- Your CPAP mask and headgear if you are currently being treated
Preparing for Your Facility Overnight Sleep Study
- Eat your usual evening meal before coming to the sleep center
- Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m.
- Take your regular medications unless told otherwise by your provider
- To obtain the best results, electrodes need to be placed on a clean, dry scalp. Please be sure your hair is clean and product-free on the evening of your test. Beards and moustaches do not interfere with the application of recording sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be common that you may not sleep the same as you do at home. A great deal can still be learned from just a few hours of sleep. If you are concerned that you will not be able to sleep at all, please discuss this with your provider. Occasionally, a sleep aid will be prescribed for the night of your study to be taken just before bedtime.
No. You will be free to move from side to side and onto your stomach or back as you desire. Some sleep on your back may requested by the technologist on a case-by-case basis.
It can take a couple of weeks before a certified sleep physician can render their interpretation of the results after thorough review of the recorded data. The sleep technologist may not discuss test results with you in the morning. Your results will be discussed with you by the provider who ordered your sleep study.
That will depend on the test ordered by your provider. Sometimes CPAP therapy is started midway through your study. This will be discussed with you in detail by the sleep technologist during your appointment.
