TESTING PROCESS

In-Lab Sleep Study

Before

Our in-lab sleep study tests are done in clinic. Our environments are designed to make you as comfortable as possible for a restful night’s sleep. On the day of your study, try to follow your usual routine. Avoid taking naps, and eliminate caffeine after lunch to ensure you're ready to sleep at night. It’s also recommended that you shower beforehand, and refrain from using hair sprays or gels that could interfere with the sleep recording.

If you are on any regular medications, consult with our providers who may suggest temporarily discontinuing their use. When it’s time to report for the study, bring along any personal items you need for your nightly routine, such as comfortable pajamas, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover, reading material, and clean clothes for the morning.

Upon arrival, the sleep technologist will ask about your sleep habits and may have you fill out a pre-sleep questionnaire. You’ll have time to settle in before the study begins. The room will be private, with no other patients, and you will have access to a bathroom and a television for your comfort.

During

Once you’re ready for bed, the sleep technologist will attach sensors to your body. These sensors, which are glued or taped to your skin, will monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, leg movements, and more while you sleep. They are painless, but be sure to inform the technologist if you're allergic or sensitive to adhesives. The wires are long enough to allow you to move around and turn in bed. At the beginning of the test, you’ll be asked to perform simple tasks such as moving your eyes, clenching your teeth, and moving your legs to ensure the sensors are properly working.

Afterward, you can relax by reading or watching TV until it’s time to sleep. The lights will be turned off at your usual bedtime, and a low-light video camera will monitor you from a nearby room to ensure everything is running smoothly. If you need assistance during the night, whether it’s because a sensor has come loose or you need to use the bathroom, the technologist will be there to help. While many patients find it harder to sleep in the unfamiliar environment, this typically does not affect the results. Most patients fall asleep during the study, and in most cases, a full eight hours of sleep is not necessary for a diagnosis. Occasionally, medication may be prescribed to help you sleep during the study.

After

In the morning, the sleep technologist will wake you and remove the sensors. You may be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about your sleep quality and overall experience in the sleep center. Once you’ve completed the study and the sensors are removed, you are free to go. The sleep study is now complete.

The data collected during your sleep study will be reviewed and evaluated by the sleep team, which may take several days to two weeks. Initially, a sleep technologist will score your sleep, marking the stages of sleep and identifying any unusual events like abnormal breathing or leg movements. One of our providers will then analyze the results and provide a diagnosis. Once the provider has reviewed the data, they will contact you to discuss the findings and next steps.

Understanding the Sleep Study 

MORE INFORMATION

An in-lab sleep study offers the most comprehensive evaluation of your sleep, giving our providers crucial insights. During the study, you’ll stay overnight at our sleep center, ensuring a comfortable and controlled environment for accurate results.

Also known as a polysomnogram, this study monitors a variety of bodily functions while you sleep, including brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, eye movements, limb movements, and oxygen levels in your blood. The data gathered will enable your physician to make an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan.

  • An in-lab sleep study, also known as polysomnography, is a comprehensive overnight test that monitors your sleep patterns, breathing, heart rate, and other bodily functions while you sleep. It helps diagnose sleep disorders like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. The test is conducted in a comfortable, private sleep room at our facility with the help of trained professionals.

  • Before your sleep study, we recommend avoiding caffeine and heavy meals on the day of the test. It’s important to bring comfortable sleepwear and personal items you may need for the night. We will also provide instructions on how to wash your hair and avoid any lotions or oils that may interfere with the sensors used during the study.

  • No, the sleep study is not painful. During the test, small sensors and electrodes will be placed on your scalp, face, chest, and legs to monitor your sleep activity. These sensors are non-invasive and are designed to stay securely in place while you sleep. Most patients find the process comfortable, and the sleep study environment is designed to be as relaxing as possible.

  • The sleep study typically lasts between 7-8 hours, which allows our specialists to observe your sleep cycle throughout the night. You will arrive at our sleep center in the evening, and the study will be conducted overnight. Afterward, you will be able to return home the following morning.

  • Yes, our sleep center is designed to create a comfortable and relaxing environment so you can sleep as naturally as possible. While you will be connected to monitoring equipment, the process is non-invasive and designed to minimally disrupt your sleep. Most patients find that they adjust quickly to the setup and are able to get a full night of rest. If you have concerns about falling asleep with the sensors, our technicians will be available to assist and ensure you're as comfortable as possible.

 FAQs

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