General Preparation

Whether you are scheduled for an overnight sleep study in our laboratory or a home sleep test, the following general guidelines apply. Your physician or our staff may provide additional specific instructions based on your individual situation.

• Maintain your normal sleep schedule in the days leading up to your study — avoid significant changes to your bedtime or wake time
• Avoid napping on the day of your study
• Avoid caffeine after noon on the day of your study
• Avoid alcohol on the day of your study — alcohol affects sleep architecture and can alter results
• Do not use hair products (gels, sprays, oils) on the night of your study — they can interfere with electrode adhesion
• Shower or bathe before arriving for an in-lab study
• Take your regular medications as prescribed unless your physician instructs otherwise
• Inform our staff of all current medications

For an Overnight Lab Study

Your overnight sleep study at our AASM-accredited sleep laboratory typically begins in the evening and concludes in the early morning. Plan to arrive at the scheduled check-in time.

A trained sleep technologist will apply sensors to monitor your brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate. The sensors are applied with a water-soluble paste and are not painful. You will sleep in a private, comfortable room. The technologist monitors the study from an adjacent room throughout the night.

For a Home Sleep Test

If you have been prescribed a home sleep test, you will receive the portable monitoring device from our office along with detailed instructions. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a valid recording.

• Apply the device according to the provided instructions before your normal bedtime
• Sleep in your normal sleeping environment
• Return the device to our office the following morning as instructed
• Contact our office if you have questions about device application

After Your Study

Your sleep study data will be reviewed and interpreted by our board-certified sleep medicine physician. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss your results and next steps. Results are typically available within a few business days of your study.