A sleep study evaluates brain waves, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen, breathing, leg movements, and video to understand whether you have a sleep disorder.
It's commonly used to identify sleep apnea.
To prepare for the study:
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you can sleep in.
- Bring personal items for your nightly routine, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, and medications.
Let the sleep center know BEFORE the night of the study if you:
- Cannot get into bed independently.
- Require a companion for sleeping.
- Work unusual shifts or sleep during the daytime. They may be able to accommodate your normal sleep schedule.
Speak with the sleep center about what medication to take the day of your study.
Follow these tips to get the most accurate results:
- Stick to your regular routine.
- Do not nap.
- Avoid caffeine for at least 8 hours before the test.
- Do not have alcohol.
- Avoid hair sprays or gels, since they can interfere with brainwave recording.
At the sleep center, you can expect:
- A Sleep Technologist to run the study and watch on a camera in a nearby room.
- Your own room with bathroom access.
- To be attached to sensors with glue or tape. Tell them if you have any sensitivity to adhesive.
- To spend 8 to 10 hours at the sleep clinic, including 1 to 2 hours for setup and removal of the monitors.
Even if you can't fall asleep right away (from being in the lab or from chronic insomnia), we can usually get the necessary information once you fall asleep.
The sleep center will give you more detailed instructions. Please reach out to them if you have more questions.
You will hear from the sleep center or your ordering provider with results, and they will help you with treatment, if needed.
This usually takes several days because the data is manually analyzed.
A sleep study at a sleep lab shows if you have sleep apnea or a sleep disorder. Read about what to expect at your test.
