Purpose of Sleep Studies

Sleep studies are important diagnostic tools for common sleep disorders like sleep apnea, insomnia, circadian and rhythm disorders. Sleep studies have proven to be particularly important in Alaska where the extreme darkness and lightness tend to either cause or worsen sleep disorders.

Sleep studies are non-invasive and painless. They monitor:

• Brainwave activity
• Eye movement
• Muscle movement
• Heart activity
• Breathing
• Blood oxygen level

In a sleep study, you will conduct your sleep study over night at our facility. The results from the sleep study will help either provide a diagnosis or clarify what may be causing concern.

What Happens During a Sleep Study?

During a sleep study:

• You arrive at the facility in the late evening
• You get ready for sleep and lie down in a private room
• Sleep specialists hook you up to monitoring devices, adjusting them as needed
• Sleep specialists monitor while you sleep
• In the morning when you wake up you can shower and have a light, complimentary breakfast at our facility

Most of the measurements are done automatically with computers monitoring your sleep-related data.

When to Get a Sleep Study

Usually, people get a sleep study either when they are struggling with sleep problems or to formally diagnose someone with a sleep disorder. Some symptoms that may initially

• Excessive snoring
• Never feeling like you get enough sleep – can’t fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early
• General performance loss in many important areas of life (work, relationships, etc.)
• Chronic daytime fatigue
• Being unable to stay awake during the day
• Sudden onset of sleep-readiness at an odd hour during the day
• Uncharacteristic memory trouble
• Concentration problems
• Chronic brain fog
• Chronic headaches in the morning
• Increased anxiety that is not normal
• Depression
• Uncharacteristic mood troubles

If you present any of these problems to your primary care physician, they may refer you to a sleep specialist who will get you set up for a sleep study. Sometimes, your symptoms may not seem specifically related to sleep so a sleep study referral may come as a surprise. Regardless, to get a sleep study, a sleep referral is required. 

Things to Do Day of a Sleep Study

First, it is a good idea to visit the sleep center before your sleep study. This allows you to understand and visualize what the sleep study will entail, as well as get comfortable with the sleep environment.

Other good practices you can undertake to prepare for a sleep study:

• Avoid napping the day of your study
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sedatives, and stimulates 24 hours before your study
• Eat regular meals on the day of your study
• On the day of your study, avoid using hair products such as oils and sprays
• Bring comfortable sleep attire
• Bring your regularly scheduled medications
• Make sure we are aware of any disabilities or other accommodations you might have

Other than this, the idea is to study your sleep as if you were at home.

Things to Bring to a Sleep Study

The best rule of thumb is to pretend you are having an overnight stay at a spa. Bring things like:

• Comfy and appropriate sleeping attire
• Any medications you are required to take
• Other things that help you sleep well, such as a favorite pillow
• Any night time related items, such as face wash or toothbrush
• A spare change of clothes (we have showers at our facility)

Other than basics, there is nothing special to bring.

Cost of a Sleep Study

While there are many different insurance options, most insurance companies provide coverage for sleep studies. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and healthcare purchased through the Healthcare Marketplace.

Before your sleep study, you can check with us to verify that insurance covers you.

Sleep studies do need a referral. This can happen after expressing concerns to your doctor and receiving a referral, or you can simply call your doctor and ask to fax a referral.

We have patient referral forms available on our website.

If you are considering a sleep study, please take this free online sleep test to get started and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.