What to Expect

The night of study

Patients will typically arrive at the testing location between 7:30 – 8:30 pm unless arrangements for alternate times have been made in advance and approved by the clinical staff of Sleep Medicine Associates, P.C.  You may be dropped off at the main office entrance, or may park your car in the parking lot.  An intercom to the right of the main entrance doors will enable you to communicate with one of the sleep technicians in the sleep center who will confirm your identity and direct you to the lab.  Once in the sleep center, a technician will direct you to your bedroom.

You will typically have some time in the room to prepare for bed before a technician will escort you to the control room for placement of sensors used to obtain sleep data.  The placement of sensors typically takes approximately 30 minutes.  Sensors that are applied include electrodes to allow brain wave recording, eye sensors placed on the face beside the eyes, airflow sensor to measure breathing that is placed at the nose, sensors to measure muscle tone (chin), snore microphone (on the neck), chest and abdominal belts to measure respiratory effort, oximetry sensor placed on a finger to measure oxygen levels, position sensor, and a sensor placed on each leg (and if indicated on the hand) to measure limb movements.  The sensors do not typically cause any pain.   Tape and special adhesives are used to keep recording sensors in place, and it is important to notify the technician of any allergies you may have to adhesive substances.  After the sensors have been attached, you will then return to your room until the child’s bedtime.  Prior to lights out, you will assist the technician in a series of equipment calibration maneuvers.

Reading or watching TV prior to lights out is appropriate, particularly if this is part of your usual bedtime routine.  Because TV can be disruptive during sleep, the TV will typically be turned off before, or after initiating sleep.  A call system is available to notify the technician of questions, or needs during the night, including the need to use the bathroom.  Because some sleep disorders increase the need to urinate during sleep, it is not uncommon to need to summon the technician during the night to disconnect some of the equipment to facilitate your using the bathroom.  You will be awakened in the morning at a time that you designate, or with enough time to shower, and leave the lab by 7:00 AM, unless prior arrangements have been made to stay later.

Sleeping in the Lab

When it is time to begin your study, the technician will assist you with getting into bed and getting comfortable.  It is important to inform the technician of anything making you uncomfortable so that the technician can address your concern.  Once you are in bed, the technician will explain the call system to you, and how to call the technician for assistance during the night.  Initially, you will be asked to lay on your back and perform several calibration maneuvers that will include opening and closing your eyes, blinking your eyes, gritting your teeth and taking several deep breaths.  The technician will explain each calibration maneuver as you are asked to perform them.  As you perform these procedures, the technician will carefully observe signals obtained from the equipment that will be collecting your study information during the night to determine that the equipment is functioning properly.  When the calibration maneuvers are completed, the technician will check with you to make sure you are comfortable, turn off the lights in the bedroom and wish you a good night.  The recording of your sleep study will begin at that time.

What if I can’t sleep?

Some people find it more difficult to fall asleep when away from their home.  This is not unusual for people undergoing sleep studies, and we expect that it might take you a little longer to get to sleep in the sleep center than it normally would take at home.  It is important to inform the technician assisting you of discomfort you may be having related to the monitoring equipment, so that this can be addressed.  If you typically use a sleeping medication at home, you will need to bring this with you, as medications are not kept in the lab, and the technician will not be able to dispense any sleep aids.  Inform the technician prior to the beginning of your study that you usually take a sleep aid at bedtime so that they can advise you when you should take the medication, as this will depend on your study start time.

What about my medications?

An optimal laboratory study will mirror a night of sleep at home as much as possible.  Individuals taking a sleep aid nightly at home should continue this for the sleep study unless instructed by their physician to discontinue it.  Abruptly stopping sleep medication on the night of study can result in more difficulty falling asleep, particularly if the sleep environment is unfamiliar.  Caffeine and stimulant medications should be avoided after noon on the day of study.

Can someone stay with me?

Sleep testing is conducted with you sleeping alone in your own testing room.  This facilitates a better study by limiting possible sources of sleep interruption.  In special circumstances, someone may be allowed to stay with you while being tested, particularly if you require assistance with basic activities of daily living, including walking, bathing, etc.  The determination to allow a family member, or care giver to stay with you, will be made by the physician or practitioner ordering the sleep study and must be arranged in advance, at the time the sleep study is scheduled.  No one will be allowed to stay with you unless the technicians at the Sleep Center have prior authorization for someone to stay during your study. Under no circumstances will another person be allowed to sleep in the same bed with you, as this can adversely affect the results of your sleep study.  Minors (patients <18 years old) must be accompanied by an adult (one of the parents, or legal guardian) who will stay in the room.

The next day

When your sleep study is completed, you will be awakened at a time that you designate or with enough time to shower and leave the sleep center by 7:00 AM. A breakfast snack will be made available to you.  You will need to leave the sleep center by 7:00 AM, so that the rooms can be prepared for testing.