What To Expect
What to bring:
Bring a small bag with your pajamas, toothbrush and any other items you may need the next morning. Also bring any medications that you may need. Many patients like to bring their own pillow to help them sleep better. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your sleep test.
When you arrive, you will be escorted to your private bedroom with amenities such as DVD players and cable TV for entertainment. At the front desk, you are likely to see the central monitoring area, where the technicians monitor our four sleep rooms. We do this by means of video, computers, and printouts of your recorded activity. The technicians will be able to react quickly if you need help or have a question while in your room.
Throughout the entire process, your technician is paying close attention to the activity of his or her sleeping patients.
What happens next?
Now, you have arrived at your private bedroom. It may look like a hospital room, a hotel room, or your bedroom at home. Your technician will ask you to slip into your pajamas before the process of hooking up the surface electrodes (leads) begins. The hook-up process may take place in your bedroom or an outer work area.
The Hook-up
Setup can take 30-45 minutes or more in order to get everything connected properly. There are a large number of supplies that are used in the process. The two belts are placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your respiratory efforts, and the band-aid like oximeter probe on your finger measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. The electrodes are temporarily “glued” to your skin and scalp. Don’t worry; the glue comes off very easily the next morning! Tell your doctor if you have asthma or an allergy to tape, so that our technicians can use hypoallergenic materials for the hook-up. You will also have some belts to hold sensors to your chest.
Although being hooked up may look uncomfortable and sleeping through the night seems impossible, most patients fall asleep with little difficulty.
Now, its time to relax.
Once you are hooked up and the preparation is over, you may have some time to relax before dropping off to sleep. Usually, you may choose your own bedtime, within reason. You may watch television, or you may want to bring a book or magazine. Also, the technician can adjust your bedroom’s temperature to suit your personal preference.
After your sleep study:
Treatment options will be appropriate to which sleep disorder is diagnosed. Some treatments are pharmaceutical (involve medications prescribed by your physician). Other treatments are behavioral, involving a change of routine, such as diet and exercise or restriction of caffeine. Some treatments may involve mechanical devices, such as the CPAP sleep mask to maintain adequate airflow during sleep. Your health care provider may recommend a surgical procedure if he or she determines that there is a need to remove an obstruction or correct a deviated septum, for example.
You should make an appointment with your physician to receive your test results after about 10 days.
Some things to remember:
Bring preferred pajamas, pillow (optional), etc.You may bring a bedtime snack.A refrigerator and microwave are available for your use.
The center has a bathroom equipped with toilet and lavatory. You may want to bring an overnight toilet kit. You will be awakened between 5:30-6:00 am the following morning.
Special needs:
Please tell us if you have any special needs or concerns. Tell us if you need a specific wake up time in order to allow our technician to plan a schedule for your hook-up.
Once you are hooked up for your study, the sleep technician will test the equipment to assure that it is working properly. You may be asked to move your toes, blink your eyes or do other tasks that will allow the sensors to register the activity on the monitor for testing the equipment. This procedure is completely pain free. Once the hook-up and equipment check are complete, it is time to relax and prepare to sleep. You may watch television or read until you are ready to try fall asleep. The technicians will wake you up around 5:30 -6:00 in the morning. You will be ready to leave the sleep lab around 6:30-7:00 am. If you have any questions about your upcoming sleep study, please call us.
Can I be reached in case of an emergency at home or work?
For urgent/emergency matters during your sleep study, others can reach you at the center by telephoning 813-935-5501.
