An overnight sleep study is a diagnostic test that includes several types of measurements used to identify different sleep stages and classify various sleep disorders.  Small sensors are connected to the head, face, chest and legs of the patient to monitor different brain and body activities including brain waves, heart rate, respirations and muscle movements.

While the patient is sleeping, various important body functions and data are monitored and recorded.  A technician is monitoring the study throughout the duration of the night.  If a respiratory or breathing problem is observed during sleep, the patient may be woken up to try a device that treats breathing problems.  This device is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device and includes a small mask which fits around the nose.

Preparing for Your Sleep Study

“Is there anything in particular that I should do on the day of my study?”

It is important that the patient’s hair is thoroughly washed and dried and free of gels, oils or sprays.  The patient should preferably not take any naps on the day of the study and should not take caffeinated beverages (including coffee, tea, or soft drinks containing caffeine) 12 hours prior to the study.  No alcoholic beverages should be consumed on the day of the study.

“Should I take my regular medications the day and night of the study?”

Yes.  The patient should not discontinue any prescribed medication without consulting his/her doctor first.  It is however important that the patient write down in the questionnaire that he/she is given prior to the study, any medication that he/she has been taking.

“What should I bring for my study?”

The patient should bring comfortable, loose fitting short pajamas.  If you have a “favorite” pillow please bring it also.

“What is an overnight sleep study?”
An overnight sleep study is a diagnostic test that includes several types of measurements used to identify different sleep stages and classify various sleep disorders.  Small sensors are connected to the head, face, chest and legs of the patient to monitor different brain and body activities including brain waves, heart rate, respirations and muscle movements.

“Can I fall asleep with all those wires on me?”
Every effort is made to make the study as comfortable as possible.  The sensor wires are gathered together to make it easy for the patient to roll over and change position.  The sensors can be easily disconnected to go o the bathroom in the middle of the night.

“What will happen during my study?”
While the patient is sleeping, various important body functions and data are monitored and recorded.  A technician is monitoring the study throughout the duration of the night.  If a respiratory or breathing problem is observed during sleep, the patient may be woken up to try a device that treats breathing problems.  This device is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device and includes a small mask which fits around the nose.

“What happens after my study?”

After a sleep study is finished, all the results and data are compiles for the interpreting physician.  Once the study has been interpreted a report will be sent to the referring physician.