Certain sleep disorders require an overnight observation in our sleep center. The overnight sleep study is a non-invasive, painless evaluation of your sleep. During the overnight sleep study (polysomnogram), brainwave activity, eye movements, muscle contractions, heart activity, breathing, and blood oxygenation will be measured.

On the night of your study you will be asked to report to the sleep center between 8:00pm and 9:30pm to prepare for your sleep study.

HOW TO PREPARE:

• Avoid napping the day of your sleep study
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sedatives, and stimulants 24 hours prior to your study
• Eat your regular evening meal before you arrive at the sleep center
• On the day of the study, be sure that your hair is free of oil, hair spray, and other products
• Bring comfortable sleep attire
• Bring any and all necessary forms and paperwork
• Bring your regularly scheduled medications and plan to take them as you normally would unless your physician instructs otherwise
• If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian is required to stay with you in the sleep center
• Notify us if you have a disability that requires special assistance and we will be happy to accommodate your needs

COMMON QUESTIONS:

“What should I bring to my sleep study?”

Pack as you would for an overnight stay in a hotel or spa. For the benefit of your comfort and privacy, please bring appropriate and comfortable sleep attire (ie. night gown or pajamas). We have bathrooms available for your convenience.

“What if I’m running late for my sleep study?”

Please contact our lab directly to let us know what time you expect to arrive.

“What happens when I arrive at the sleep center for my study?”

Sleep studies usually begin in the late evening and end at about 5:30am-6:30am the following day. Once you arrive at the center, one of our wonderful sleep technologists will welcome you and show you to your private bedroom. The technologist will verify that all necessary forms are completed and answer any questions you may have.

“Will I have my own room?”

Yes, our sleep study bedrooms are private.

“Will I be able to sleep with the monitoring equipment attached to me?”

Most people do not find it uncomfortable at all, nor an obstacle to falling asleep. We make every effort to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Should any issues with your comfort arise, your sleep technologist will make adjustments. Your bedroom has an open intercom that will enable you to communicate with your technologist at any time.

“What if I need to go to the bathroom during the study?”

If you need to use the bathroom at any point during the night, you can call you sleep technologist on the intercom for assistance. They will temporarily disconnect your monitoring equipment to allow you to use the facilities.

“When can I leave the sleep center?”

Studies are completed between 5:30am-6:30am. You should plan on adding an additional 30 minutes to your morning routine to account for time to allow your sleep technologist to remove the monitoring equipment. You may take a shower to wash away any remaining gels and pastes used with the monitoring equipment. If you need to be ready to leave the center at a certain time, please let us know when you arrive at the center so we can accommodate your request.

“Does the sleep center provide breakfast?”

The sleep center is set up with a small kitchenette and we will provide a light, complimentary breakfast. Selections may include breakfast bars, oatmeal, coffee, teas, and juices. A refrigerator and microwave are available for your convenience. You are more than welcome to use the kitchenette area or ask your sleep technologist for assistance.

“What happens after my sleep study?”

A large amount of information is collected during your study. This information is reviewed by your sleep technologist, and finally our Medical Director. Once our Medical Director has reviewed the information he creates a formal report that will be sent to your doctor.

“When will my doctor receive my results?”

It usually takes 2-5 business days for your doctor to receive your formal report.

"What are some of the consequences of sleep disorders if left untreated?"

• Fatigue
• Decreased quality of life
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Sexual dysfunction
• High blood pressure
• Impaired concentration or memory loss
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Increase risk of motor vehicle accidents

Your sleep does not have to be a mystery. A sleep study is a reliable, scientific, and painless way to find out why you don't sleep as well as you would like.  It gives you valuable insight into the process of how you sleep. But it doesn't just give you understanding. It can also provide you with answers. With the results, a sleep specialist will be able to develop a plan of treatment to help you finally get the kind of sleep you want and need.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact us.