Sleep Study Patient Preparation

What Is a Sleep Study?

A sleep study (polysomnography) is an overnight test that monitors your body while you sleep to help diagnose sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. Sleep studies are comfortable, non-invasive, and take place in a private room designed to feel as close to your home sleep environment as possible.

Note: Your sleep technologist will not be able to share or discuss results during the study — results will be reviewed and communicated by your sleep physician at a follow-up appointment.

Before Your Sleep Study — Day Of

• Avoid napping the day of the test — you want to be naturally tired at bedtime
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol after 12:00 noon (no coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda, or alcohol)
• Wash and dry your hair before arriving — do not apply any conditioner, hair gels, sprays, dry shampoo, or styling products after washing. Clean, dry hair is essential for proper electrode attachment
• Do not apply lotions, oils, creams, or moisturizers to your face, scalp, neck, chest, or legs
• Take your regular medications as prescribed, unless your physician has instructed otherwise
• If you take a prescribed sleep aid, wait until you arrive at the lab and notify the sleep technician before taking it

What to Bring

• Comfortable sleepwear — pajamas, loose pants and a t-shirt, or whatever you normally sleep in
• Any medications you take in the evening or morning
• Morning toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, change of clothes)
• A book, magazine, or quiet activity for before bedtime
• Your CPAP or BiPAP machine if you already use one (even if you are being re-tested)
• A pillow or blanket from home if it helps you sleep more comfortably

What Happens When You Arrive

When you arrive, your sleep technologist will greet you, show you to your private room, and walk you through the setup process. This typically takes 30–45 minutes. The technologist will attach small sensors (electrodes) using a water-soluble gel or paste to the following areas:

• Scalp and forehead — to monitor brain activity (EEG) and sleep stages
• Near the eyes — to detect eye movements (EOG)
• Chin and jaw — to monitor muscle activity (EMG)
• Chest and abdomen — elastic belts to measure breathing effort
• Legs — to detect limb movements
• Chest or back — to monitor heart rhythm (EKG)
• Finger — a small clip to monitor blood oxygen levels

All sensors are painless. The wires are bundled together so you can move around freely, roll over, and get up to use the restroom during the night.

During the Study

Lights will be turned off at your normal bedtime. The technologist monitors you from a separate room throughout the night and can hear and speak with you through an intercom if needed. Try to sleep as naturally as possible — it is normal if you sleep a little less than usual due to the new environment. The study will capture enough data even if your sleep is not perfect.

Morning Departure

Studies typically conclude between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. The technologist will remove all sensors, which takes only a few minutes. You may shower and change before leaving. Results are typically reviewed by your sleep physician within 1–2 weeks, and your follow-up appointment will be scheduled accordingly.