About Sleep Tests
There are several things to be aware of as you prepare for your sleep study. Following these instructions will help to ensure clear, accurate results.
- Bathe or shower before you arrive for your study. Men please be clean shaven unless you have a beard or mustache.
- Please do not use any hairsprays, hair gels, face makeup, perfumes, colognes, or body lotions.
- Make sure to bring everything you would normally take to spend the night away from home. Pajamas are required. Men may wear shorts.
MSLT testing instructions – https://neurocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/MSLT-Testing-Instructions.pdf
Quick guide to a Sleep Medicine – https://neurocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Quick-guide-to-Sleep-Medicine.pdf
What to expect during your sleep study – https://neurocenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/What-to-Expect-During-Your-Sleep-Study.pdf
On the day of your test, arrive tired. Smoking and caffeinated beverages are prohibited, and napping is discouraged.
Please remember our technicians are NOT able to give any medications but you may bring you own medications and take them at the Sleep Center. This includes medications that you may take for sleep.
We will do our best to make you feel at ease. The sleep lab professionals are present in an adjacent room and are able to answer questions or assist you with trips to the bathroom etc., during the night. We encourage you to bring items from home that might help you relax such as your favorite pillow or blanket.
Arrival and Testing
It is not necessary for you to arrive any earlier than your scheduled appointment time. When you arrive at the sleep lab, a sleep technician will greet you. You will then be shown the sleep recording equipment, given a chance to ask questions, and get ready for bed as you do at home.
In order to evaluate your sleep, it is important to examine what’s happening to your brain, your heart, your breathing, and your legs while you are sleeping. For most patients, the initial sleep study performed is called a diagnostic polysomnogram. It is used to diagnose a variety of sleep disorders including sleep apnea and leg kicking. A video monitor in your room records any unusual movements or parasomnias and recordings are only kept when significant abnormalities are seen.
Your body’s activities will be monitored by sensors that are applied to your head and skin by paste, tape or another adhesive. These sensors measure brainwave activity, eye movement, and limb movement which are then used to determine stages of sleep, the quality of sleep, and the causes for disturbances and/or awakenings that you might experience. Flexible belts around your chest and abdomen and sensors at your mouth and nose monitor your breathing. An oximeter on your finger measures the level of oxygen in your blood and your heart rate. A microphone records any snoring. None of these devices are painful and each is designed to be as comfortable as possible. All of the electrode wires are gathered together so that you may change positions almost as easily as you would at home.
Results
Technicians are not permitted to discuss your study results with you. The sleep study, its analysis and interpretation are a complex process. Your results will be forwarded to your physician, and in many cases you will be referred to our Sleep Medicine physician for further evaluation and management.
Patient Checklist
Please bring the following with you to the Sleep Lab.
- Comfortable sleepwear; (No rayon, satin or silky material please)
- Favorite pillow and/or blanket, if you choose although bedding and pillows are provided
- Toothbrush/paste, comb
- Clothes to wear home
- Your medications
- No medications can be given by the Sleep Lab staff
- Please bring medications that you may occasionally take at night, including sleeping pills
- Reading material, if you choose
- Interpreter if English is not your primary language
Important Reminders
- Co-pays and/or deductibles will be collected prior to the night of the study
- A $200.00 late cancellation fee will apply if you do not contact us 24 hours in advance of your appointment to cancel or reschedule your study