How To Prepare For A Sleep Study

A sleep study (polysonogram) is a non-invasive test conducted in a sleep lab to diagnose and treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. It’s the first step toward receiving the treatment you need to sleep and feel better. The idea of sleeping in an unfamiliar place while wearing sensors may be a little daunting, but it’s much easier than people usually think.

In this blog, the sleep specialists at eos sleep diagnostics explain how to prepare for a sleep study.

How to prepare for a sleep study:

The following are some general instructions to ensure that you’re comfortable and that the test is able to gather the needed information:

• Follow your regular routine: Except for the few things you’ll need to avoid, try to follow your normal routine as much as possible.
• Avoid caffeine: Don’t have any caffeine – including coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate – the afternoon or evening before an overnight sleep study.
• Avoid napping: You want to be able to sleep as normally as possible at night.
• Wash your hair: Wash your hair using only shampoo and then dry it, and don’t apply any other hair products. This will allow the sensors to easily attach to your hair.
• Don’t wear nail polish: You may have to wear a pulse oximeter (a sensor that measures the oxygen level in your blood) on your index finger.

What to bring to a sleep study:

Packing for your overnight sleep study is similar to packing lightly for a one-night hotel stay. You’ll need to bring the following:

• Medication: Talk to your doctor about any medication you usually take at night and whether you should take it during your sleep study.
• Sleep clothes: Bring pajamas or shorts and a T-shirt to sleep in.
• Comfort items: A favorite blanket or pillow may make you more comfortable.
• Toiletries: Bring anything you’ll need at night and in the morning, such as your toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and a brush or comb.
• Change of clothes: Pack what you’ll need to wear to return home or go to work in the morning.
• CPAP machine: If you use a CPAP machine, you’ll need to bring it with you. Sometimes a sleep study is performed to gauge how well your treatment is working.

What to expect during a sleep study:

Check in at the front desk, and you’ll be shown to your private room. A technologist will explain the test and equipment to you and answer any questions you may have.

When you’re ready to sleep, you’ll be given privacy to change into your sleep clothes. A technologist will then help you place small sensors on your head, chest, and legs. They’re attached to a computer that receives data about your breathing, heart rate, movements, and other body functions while you sleep.

You’ll still be able to move normally during sleep, and your technician will be able in another room, monitoring the equipment. If you need something or need to go to the bathroom, simply say it aloud, and your technician will come in and help temporarily unplug the wires.

In the morning, you’ll be able to get ready by showering if you’d like and be able to go home or to work.

It usually takes about two weeks for your doctor to receive the results, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to discuss the results and make any treatment changes necessary.

Make an appointment today with eos sleep diagnostics if you’re experiencing snoring or other signs of a sleep disorder or want to determine if your treatment is working well. Our state-of-the art Manhattan sleep lab is like a luxury hotel, and you’ll find it to be relaxing and comfortable.