Do's and Dont's for Patients Before a Sleep Study | What to Bring for a Night at the Sleep Center |Your Sleep Schedule at the Center | What Happens After Arrival at the Center | What Happens During the Test | Getting Your Results

In order for our electrodes to work properly, they must be applied to skin that is as clean and dry as possible.

• Do shower and wash your hair before coming to the Center. Do not use any cream rinses, hair spray or hair relaxers on your hair.
• Do not take naps or drink a lot of fluid the day of your study.
• Refrain from caffienated beverages starting that afternoon.
  .
• Do not use any skin lotions or creams.
• Do not wear makeup.
• Men should be clean-shaven. However we do accommodate men with beards.
• Do tell the technicians of any changes in medicine you are taking. Certain medicines can affect sleep and the interpretation of your sleep study. Do not discontinue taking medicine unless instructed to do so by the sleep doctor.
• Do not take naps.
• Do not sleep in day of your study.

Bring nightclothes and the personal items you would take for an overnight hotel stay including any prescription medicine. TV and magazines are available in the patient lounge. You may bring books and crafts. Do not bring any valuables or a large sum of money because we do not have a safe available.

A technician will be in the monitoring room (located down the hall from your bedroom) throughout the night. If you need anything during the night, all you need to do is speak and the technician hears you through the intercom.

All patients are expected to stay in bed about 7 to 8 hours. If you need to awaken before 7 A.M., please let the technician know the night before so you can go to bed before 11 P.M.

The next morning a technician removes the electrodes and other recording devices.

6:00, 7:00, or 8:00 P.M. You will be scheduled to begin your sleep study at one of these three times. You will know beforehand which time is assigned to you (please note: we do make special arrangements if you are a shift worker). Please eat dinner before reporting to the Center. Once you report to the Center, you will change into your nightclothes. A technician then places electrodes on you. During this time, you may ask the technician questions about the test.

7-10 P.M. This is your time to relax and get used to the surroundings. You may watch TV or read if you would like.

10-11 P.M. Bedtime Guests go to bed in the order in which they are scheduled, i.e. the 6 P.M. guest goes first.

You are shown to a private bedroom, comparable to a nice size hotel room where you change into your nightclothes. The technician will familiarize you with equipment and answer any questions you may have. Next, the technician applies electrodes to your face, head, legs and chest. Approximately 19 electrodes are applied either with glue or tape. The electrodes simply record the electrical activity already present in your body, but do not generate electrical current or cause any discomfort. The electrodes are gathered into a kind of ponytail at the back of your head, so you can move around and change position during sleep. Once the electrodes are placed, you may relax until bedtime.

What Happens During the Test

Once you are in bed, the technician begins to monitor you as you fall asleep and go through the various stages of sleep. While people may have concerns about being able to fall asleep in a strange setting, most patients do not have any trouble falling asleep at the Center. There is a technician in the monitoring room at all times throughout the night. If you need anything speak and the technician hears you through the intercom. Patients are expected to stay in bed for 61/2-7 hours. If you need to awaken before 7:00 A.M., please let the technician know the night before. The next morning a technician removes the electrodes and you may shower before leaving.

Getting Your Results

The information collected during your sleep study is given to our medical director who reviews the data and sends his findings to your referring doctor. Your doctor calls you with the results, usually within two to three weeks.