Sleep Study
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How to Prepare for your Sleep Study
The Checklist
Before coming to the center, you should pack an overnight bag, just as if you were staying overnight at a friend’s house or hotel. Bring anything you need to feel at home. If you have special needs, the sleep center personnel should be able to accommodate you.
Remember to Avoid Coffee, Alcohol and taking nap” on the day/evening of your sleep study.
– Change of clothing for the next day
– Your toiletries
– Contact lens supplies
– Glasses
– Toothpaste & toothbrush (available at the center)
– Mouthwash
– Medications ordered and prescribed by your doctor – The Sleep Center cannot provide you with your medications. If you have questions about your medication please consult your physician.
– A comfortable pillow – Of course we have plenty of extras but you may be more comfortable bringing one from home.
– Your favorite book
– Sleep Questionnaires and forms: Be sure to look for the Forms Section for Sleep Studies to fill out all form
– Your insurance information – Be sure to have your insurance card and co-payment if needed.
Be sure to inform your physician about any medications that you may be taking well before your study night! This includes prescription medications, over the counter medications and dietary supplements such as melatonin and diet pills.
The technologist will greet you when you arrive at the sleep center and show you to your bedroom. At that time he/she will review the sleep study procedure with you and you will be given a chance to ask questions about any element of your study. The technologist will ask you fill out some forms and questionnaires. Be sure to let us know about your current health and physical condition. It is very important to provide us the following information:
– Any medications you have taken in the 24 hours prior to your arrival.
– Any sleep difficulties you that have not already been discussed with your physician
– Any recent changes in your overall health. Do you have a cold or did you have trouble sleeping on the previous night?
– Do you need to be at work at a certain time the next day? You may want to reschedule other commitments for the morning, but if that is not possible confirm a wake-up time when you arrive at the sleep center.
After filling out your papers you’ll have time to make yourself comfortable, change into nightclothes and prepare for bed, just as you would at home. Your arrival time is scheduled to insure that you have enough time to complete your bed time tasks prior to the technologist applying the probes for you sleep study. If there is additional time you can read or relax as you normally would at home.
If you are being monitored for Sleep Apnea, it may be necessary to place you on CPAP sometime during the night. If you are to be placed on CPAP, it will be discussed with you prior to your visit.
The technologist will select an appropriately sized mask, insure that it is properly fitted and correct any air leaks. This will give you a chance to get used to the feel of the CPAP mask and spend a few moments breathing on the CPAP machine. Your physician will determine if it is necessary for you to spend time breathing on the machine during the study. You can find more information on CPAP titration studies by clicking here.
After saying “good night” most patients will quickly fall off to sleep. Your work has ended, but the night has just begun for your dedicated sleep technologists. From their control room they will monitor you throughout the night. Their number one job is to insure your comfort and safety. If you should need anything during the night the technologists may be contacted at any time via intercom. Be sure to contact the technologist if you need to get out of bed for any reason.
The monitoring devices are very sturdy so feel free to sleep in any position that you find comfortable. Your technologist will assist you if any equipment becomes dislodged.
