Before coming to the Sleep Diagnostic Center, you should shower and wash your hair. Use minimal hair care and skin products. Pack as if you were staying overnight at a hotel, bringing sleepwear, toiletries, and any medications you may need.
Avoid caffeine in the afternoon before your study and do not take a nap that day. Eat a normal-size dinner before your appointment.
Many people worry they will not be able to sleep in a new environment or while wearing the monitoring leads. Each person has a separate room with a private restroom and shower. The wires are attached so that you can sleep in your usual position and move around reasonably comfortably. Some patients feel more at ease bringing a favorite pillow or blanket from home.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please contact the Sleep Diagnostic Center as soon as possible if you need to change your appointment. A private bedroom with bathroom is reserved for you for the entire evening, and a sleep technologist or respiratory therapist is scheduled to monitor your study throughout the night. Late cancellations or no-shows result in unused rooms and staff being sent home. Whenever possible, give as much notice as you can if cancellation cannot be avoided.
Why do I need a sleep study?
Sleep is an active state that is important for renewing both mental and physical health. There are many sleep and wake disorders that can lower quality of life and impact overall health. Sleep disorders are linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression, and diabetes.
A sleep study (polysomnogram) helps us fully understand your sleep and identify any abnormalities. During the study, various brain activities and body systems are monitored throughout the night. Afterward, a sleep specialist reviews and interprets the results and shares them with you and your healthcare provider. If a sleep disorder is found, treatment recommendations will be made.
Why might I need a second sleep study?
Sleep apnea is one of the most commonly recognized sleep disorders. People with sleep apnea often have symptoms such as loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, restless sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea is caused by repeated partial or complete closure of the airway during sleep.
These airway closures (apneas) are typically treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) delivered through a mask. Patients who test positive for sleep apnea often need a second study (a titration study) to determine the best mask type and the correct level of pressure needed.
What happens during a routine diagnostic study?
When you arrive in the evening, you will change into your sleepwear. The technician will then prepare you for the study. Electrodes (small metal cups on the end of insulated wires) are attached to your scalp and face with paste and tape. Elastic bands are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing effort, a sensor is placed beneath your nose to detect airflow, and a probe is put on your finger to measure oxygen levels.
All of these sensors connect to a small jack box with a carrying strap. Once everything is set up, you can watch TV or read until you are ready to go to bed. The room intercom is always on; if you need anything, you can simply speak to your technician. If you need to use the restroom during the night, the technician will disconnect the cable from your jack box so you can move about freely.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable sleepwear (pajamas, robe, sweatpants, T-shirt)
- Favorite pillow (optional)
- Something to read before bed
- Personal hygiene items
- CPAP mask (if you already use one)
- Medications and a current medication list
Please leave valuables such as jewelry and large amounts of cash at home.
What happens when I arrive?
You will be told what time to arrive before the night of your study. If you have special sleep requirements (such as working shifts), let your technician know so arrangements can be made. After check-in, the sleep technician will attach small electrodes to your skin and scalp with removable gel and tape. This setup may take up to an hour, and you will then be able to relax until bedtime.
- Each bedroom has its own television, DVD player, bathroom, and shower
- Fresh linens are provided daily
- A spouse may visit until bedtime; children may accompany you only if they are being studied
- Caregiver accommodations may be available with advance notice
- No pets; the facility is non-smoking
- Accessibility accommodations are available
What happens in the morning?
In the morning, your technician will remove the monitors and you will complete any necessary paperwork. You may shower and get ready for your day if you wish. Coffee, tea, and juice are available, along with a light breakfast option such as a danish or cereal bar. Your doctor will receive the test results once they have been interpreted by the sleep specialist.