FAQs

Before a sleep test

Q. I’ve been scheduled for a sleep study, what should I expect?
Q. What should I bring to my sleep study?
Q. Will I have a private bedroom?
Q. What about medications?
Q. Can I wear nail polish?
Q. Should I have dinner?
Q. Can I have a nap?
Q. Can I have caffeine?
Q. Should I take a shower before the study?
Q. What if I am running late?
Q. What if I have special needs?
Q. What happens when I get to the The Sleep Center?
Q. How will the sensors be applied?
Q. What do the sensors do?
Q. Will I be able to sleep with the sensors and wires?
Q. When will I wake up?
Q. Will I be told the results of my study when I awake?
Q. When will my doctor receive my results?
Q. What happens if I am scheduled for a Nap Study (MSLT)?

Q. I’ve been scheduled for a sleep study, what should I expect?
A. After you schedule an appointment you should expect to receive information that might including directions to the sleep center, information about the study, and often a health questionnaire.

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Q. What should I bring to my sleep study?
A. Ask your facility, but in general, pack as you would for an overnight stay at a friend’s house. For the benefit of your privacy and comfort, you should bring appropriate and comfortable nightclothes (such as T-shirts and sweat pants or pajama top and bottoms). Review your facility’s recommended checklist to insure that you have everything you might need.

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Q. Will I have a private bedroom?
A.
 The facility may or may not have a private bedroom,  You should inquire when your test is scheduled.  Facilities that do not have private sleeping rooms should avoided.

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Q. What about medications?
A. Almost always you will take your medications as usual and bring them to the sleep testing center if necessary.  You should discuss your medications with your physician.  For most sleep test, your scheduled medications are not changed for the test.

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Q. Can I wear nail polish?
A.
If you wear nail polish (particularly reds and dark colors) it might have to remove it from at least one finger to obtain a good signal from the oxygen sensor.
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Q. Should I have dinner?
A.  You should expect that you will need to eat dinner before arrival. You may want to bring a snack. Snacks and meals are generally not provided.

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Q. Can I have a nap?
A. It is important that you avoid napping on the day of the study.

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Q. Can I have caffeine?
A. Avoid caffeine (coffee, colas, chocolates, etc.) after 12:00 noon on the day of the study.

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Q. Should I take a shower before the study?
A. You may find that a shower before arriving at the sleep center will make you feel more relaxed. Wash and dry your hair and it is best to not apply any sprays, lotions, oils, gels, or make-up.

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Q. What if I am running late?
A. Be prepared.  Allow ample time.  Have the evening contact information for your facility.  If running late, contact the facility directly and let them know of your approximate time of arrival.

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Q. What if I have special needs?
A. Please contact your facility during daytime working hours to discuss your needs.  Most facilities are happy and able to assist patients will special needs.  Arrangement often need to be made days in advance for some problems, so contact the facility as soon as you are able.

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Q. What happens when I get to the testing center?
A.
Once you arrive at the center, a sleep technologist will welcome you and show you to your room. The technologist will ask you to complete some forms and will tell you what to expect. This is your best opportunity to ask any questions. The technologists have been specially trained to monitor your sleep during the night. They will apply small sensors to your head, chest area and legs. Elastic bands will be placed around your chest and abdomen. These monitors will be connected to wires that attach to our recording equipment. After the sensors are applied, you may have some free time to relax before bedtime.

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Q. How will the sensors be applied?
A. Typically the facility will use a medical adhesive which will be easily removed in the morning after testing.

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Q. What do the sensors do?
A. They record brain wave activity, eye movement, muscle contractions, heart activity and your breathing during sleep.

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Q. Will I be able to sleep with the sensors and wires?

A. You may find them a bit strange at first, but most people do not find them uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. The technologist will make every effort to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. If a problem arises, adjustments can be made. Every bedroom will an intercom that will enable you to communicate with your technologist at any time. If you need to use the bathroom during the night, our technologists will assist and disconnect you temporarily.

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Q. When will I wake up?
A. If you are not already awake, you will usually be awakened between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM.  Sleeping later can be arranged in some facilities, but advanced planning is required to schedule a technologist to work later hours.

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Q. Will I be told the results of my study when I awake?
A. A large amount of information is collected during your sleep study. Within a few days a sleep specialist from center will interpret this information. On the morning after your study our sleep technologists cannot provide you with any information about your results. Your physician or your sleep physician usually has access to the results in five to seven days. If needed, based upon the test results and your ordering physician, the facility may contact you to determine treatment options.

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Q. When will my doctor receive my results?
A. It usually takes 7-10 days for your doctor to receive your formal report. You may need to schedule a follow-up visit with your physician to discuss the findings and recommendations for treatment.

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Q. What happens if I am scheduled for a Nap Study or MSLT study?
A. Your doctor may have ordered an additional test called a Multiple Latency Sleep Test (MSLT) as part of your overall evaluation. This means that you will need to stay at the center for most of the following day for a series of brief naps. The naps are scheduled throughout the day. You are encouraged to bring reading materials or any entertainment items that will help you pass the time. In most facilities, you often may bring your laptop to access the internet.  The facility should provide your lunch.

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