Sleep Study Guide
Sutter Sleep Disorders Centers
Preparing For Your Sleep Study
A sleep study is an evaluation of how your body functions during sleep. Activities of your brain, heart, lungs and certain muscles are recorded and stored in a computer as you sleep. The recording of these signals is called a polysomnogram. An analysis of the recording is used to diagnose the presence and severity of sleep disorders. The study is performed in a private sleep room. Many patients have the option of a home study. This is a painless procedure. No needles, drugs or invasive procedures are used.
Prior to Reporting to the Sleep Lab
The following preparations should be made just before your stay at the sleep lab:
- Shower and shampoo your hair.
- Avoid using anything on your hair after it has been cleaned and dried such as gels, hair sprays, etc.
- Do not wear makeup or jewelry.
- Do not use creams or lotions on your skin.
- Pack your sleepwear and toiletries.
- If applicable, bring your reading glasses.
- If you prefer, bring a favorite blanket or pillow.
- You may bring reading material or other items that can help you pass the time before bedtime. There is also a television in each patient’s room.
- If you usually take medications before going to bed, other than sleeping pills, bring them with you.
When You Arrive at the Sleep Lab
You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will show you to your room and ask you to change into your sleepwear. The testing procedure will be reviewed and questions answered. In preparation for the test, special sensors are placed on your scalp, forehead, chin, temples, chest, ankle and index finger. An airflow sensor is also placed under the nose.
You shouldn’t experience any discomfort or pain as the sensors are applied. The technologist will explain the purpose of the sensors. Shaving is not necessary for the sensors to be placed on the scalp, as the hair will be parted. Minor shaving may be required on the chest or leg. After the placement of the sleep monitoring sensors, you are free to relax until bedtime. Please tell the technologist your normal sleep and waking times.
At Bedtime
Just before your bedtime, the technologist will attach the leads (wires) from your sensors to the computer monitoring equipment located in your room. Although it might seem a bit awkward to sleep with the wires attached, it usually doesn’t cause any discomfort. The technologist will remain in another room of the sleep lab throughout the monitoring process.
Getting Up
The technologist will explain what to do should you need to get up during the night for any reason. When you wake up in the morning, the technologist will remove the wires and sensors. You may use the restroom, freshen up and get dressed to be discharged.
Results
The results of your sleep study will be available in approximately two weeks.
- An experienced technologist will review the data recorded during sleep and prepare a summary.
- The sleep study will then be referred to the sleep disorders physician specialist who interprets the study results, then forwards the interpretation of your study and a recommended treatment plan to your referring physician.
- Your Sutter Sleep Disorders Centers sleep medicine specialist or referring physician will meet with you, explain the results of your study and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.
