In-Lab Sleep Study

A polysomnogram (sleep study) is a test that is performed in the sleep center. This test will involve placing several monitors on your head, face, chest and legs. This type of testing provides detailed information on sleep stages, heart rate, respiratory function as well as limb movements. Providers may order this type of study because they are looking for a more comprehensive evaluation of your sleep or you may require monitoring with a type of device that is only able to be used in the sleep lab. Sleep studies can be used to diagnose – sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder, sleep misperception, REM sleep disorder as well as other parasomnias and disruptive sleep disorders.

• Arrive at the sleep center at your scheduled time
• Eat dinner before you arrive so that it doesn’t delay your set up
• The technicians will greet you and show you to your room
• They will have you complete paperwork (If you’d like to complete your paperwork ahead of time, please review and print the sleep study forms at the bottom of the Documents section of our website)
• They will then begin the process of attaching sensors to various places on your body – head, chest, legs, finger. You will also have a nasal cannula in your nose. This will look similar to someone receiving oxygen, but it will be monitoring your breathing.
• You can read, watch TV or use an electronic device such as a laptop while you are settling down and getting used to the new environment; however, it is helpful to only do this for a short time so that you are able to try to get to sleep.
• While you are sleeping, technicians will be monitoring the readings from your equipment from the monitoring room and may come in if they see that a piece of equipment isn’t recording well or if they see that you may be having an abnormality in your breathing or heart rate.
• You will generally be woken up around 5:45am and the technician will help to remove the sensors

Pediatric patients are required to have a parent or guardian stay with them at all times overnight. Outside of this, sleep study rooms are generally only able to accommodate one person. We do make accommodations for patients who need additional assistance, but need to be made aware of this need ahead of time to ensure there is space and an available cot for the caregiver.

If you are not a pediatric patient, but you have some other needs, such as a disability, require an adjustable bed or assistance with caregiving or translation, please contact the office so that we can ensure that we are able to schedule you on a night when this is able to be accommodated.

•  Continue medications ordered by your physician/provider (no medications will be given by the Sleep Lab staff
•  Bring your own sleepwear
• Bring a list of all medications. Bring any medications you may need during the night
• Bring your PAP mask, remote or oral appliance if you are coming in for a titration study. If you don’t have a mask, the sleep lab will provide one for
  the night of the study
• If you are diabetic, bring insulin and a snack
• If you are taking sleeping pills, bring them with you and take as usual
• Do not consume large amounts of caffeine 8 hours before the sleep study
• Do not take a nap during the day of the sleep study
• Do not use hairspray, gels, mousse, etc., the day of the sleep study
• Remove gel nail or artificial nail and nail polish from at least one finger before arriving at the sleep lab for proper monitoring of your oxygen
• For proper placement of electrodes, skin and hair must be clean and dry at the time of your visit. Dirt, oils, and/or skin care products can adversely affect the readings
• Sleep Lab closes promptly at 7am. All patients requiring transportation in the morning must arrange for pick-up before this time. Seating is provided in the lobby of the building for anyone requiring a later pick-up time
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted in the building or during the sleep study

You must be accompanied by a family member/significant other (i.e. caregiver/nursing assistant/staff member of your nursing facility) who can stay with you during the study:

• If you are under the age of 18
• If you are significantly disabled, physically or mentally
• If you need special assistance, for example – using the bathroom, changing
  urinals, overnight briefs, etc.

Please ask your Sleep Technologist about any problems or concerns that you may have during your study. At your request, the technologist will consult with the Medical Director and/or Administrative Director for advice and directions

IF YOU NEED TO RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT, IT IS REQUIRED THAT YOU GIVE 24 HOURS NOTICE OR YOU WILL BE CHARGED A $150 FEE

Results:

We aim to have the results completed within 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on staffing and volume and complexity of sleep studies.

Side Effects:

While it is uncommon for there to be side effects from a sleep study, some people experience irritation from adhesive and tape or may not sleep as well because they are in an unfamiliar location.

Any questions, please call (413) 253-2767.