Sleep Study Prerequisites: What You Need To Know

Sleep studies are an effective way to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. They are usually performed in a sleep clinic or lab, but can sometimes be done at home. If you're preparing for a sleep study, it's important to discuss any medications you're taking with your doctor, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and pack an overnight bag with comfortable sleepwear and personal care items. You should also refrain from using hair products such as sprays, oils, or gels, as these can interfere with the sensors used during the study. Most insurance plans cover sleep studies, but it's important to check with your provider beforehand.

What to expect during a sleep study

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a diagnostic test that involves recording multiple systems in your body while you sleep. It is not painful and usually takes one night to complete. Here is what you can expect during a sleep study:

Before the Sleep Study

On the day of your sleep study, it is recommended to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least eight hours before the test. It is also advised not to take any naps during the day, as this can make it harder for you to fall asleep during the study. Try to stick to your regular routine as much as possible, as this will help the healthcare provider interpret the results more accurately. Discuss any medications you are taking with the healthcare provider beforehand, and only stop taking them if instructed to do so.

During the Sleep Study

When you arrive at the sleep lab, you will be taken to your room, where you will change into your sleepwear. The staff will then attach sensors to various parts of your body, including your head, chest, legs, and face. These sensors will monitor your brain activity, heart rate, breathing, eye movements, and other physical processes. The sensors have adhesive or tape to attach them to your skin, so if you have sensitive skin or adhesive allergies, be sure to inform the staff beforehand. After attaching the sensors, you will be asked to perform some simple tasks, such as moving your eyes, opening and closing your mouth, and moving your legs, to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.

The sensor wires should be long enough to allow comfortable movement in bed. However, if you need to get up, a staff member may need to assist you in unplugging the wires. The staff will calibrate the sensors, and then you can relax and watch TV or read before going to sleep. Most people don't sleep as well during a sleep study due to the unfamiliar environment or the sensors they are wearing. However, this usually doesn't impact the study's results.

After the Sleep Study

In the morning, the sleep lab personnel will help disconnect and remove the sensors. You can then change into your clothes and leave the sleep lab. A healthcare provider will review and interpret the data collected during the study, which may take a few days. They will then contact you to discuss the results and recommend any necessary follow-up actions.

How to prepare for a sleep study

Sleep studies are a common diagnostic test that can help identify sleep disorders and related issues. If you're getting ready for a sleep study, here are some steps you can take to ensure you're prepared and comfortable throughout the process:

• Discuss your medications: Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Do not skip or change your medication routine without consulting your doctor first. They will advise you on whether to continue, stop, or adjust your medications for the sleep study.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol on the day of your sleep study. Caffeine can contribute to insomnia and disrupted sleep, while alcohol can alter your normal sleep patterns. Both substances may interfere with the accuracy of the test results.
• Maintain your daily routine: Try to follow your usual daily routine as much as possible. Avoid taking naps during the day, as this may make it harder for you to fall asleep during the sleep study.
• Pack an overnight bag: Bring items that are part of your usual bedtime routine, such as pajamas, a toothbrush, and other toiletries. Also, pack clothing and essentials for the next day. You may also want to bring your own pillow, a book or reading material, and any other items that will make you feel comfortable.
• Prepare for sensor application: Avoid using hair sprays, gels, lotions, or makeup on the day of the study. These products can interfere with the electrodes or sensors attached to your scalp and body during the sleep study.
• Address skin allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any skin allergies you may have. Some adhesives used with the sensors can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
• Follow bathing and grooming guidelines: Your provider may recommend bathing or showering before the sleep study while avoiding the use of creams, lotions, or hair care products afterward. This ensures that your skin is clean and free of any substances that may interfere with the sensors.
• Bring your medications: If you are taking any medications, remember to bring them with you to the sleep study, especially if you need to take them at night.
• Arrive on time: Plan to arrive at the sleep center or lab in the evening, a few hours before your usual bedtime. This will give you time to get comfortable, fill out any necessary paperwork, and allow the technicians to set up the sensors.
• Relax and try to sleep: Once you're in the sleep lab, try to relax and follow your regular bedtime routine as closely as possible. You may feel uncomfortable due to the sensors, but most people eventually fall asleep. Even if you sleep less than usual, the study can still provide valuable data as long as you sleep for at least two hours.

What happens after a sleep study

Once the sleep study is complete, the patient will wake up and have all the sensors removed. They can then change into their daytime clothes and leave the sleep lab.

The data from the sleep study will then be interpreted by a healthcare provider, who will look for signs of any problems. This process usually takes about one to two weeks. The results will be sent to the patient's physician, who will then contact the patient to discuss the findings and any next steps. This usually happens within a few days of the study, but the exact timing depends on the facility. Depending on the results, the patient may need to undergo further sleep studies or be set up with a PAP device.

What are the prerequisites for an in-lab sleep study?

Sleep studies are diagnostic tests that monitor various body functions to determine the presence of sleep disorders. While some sleep studies can be performed at home, in-lab sleep studies are more comprehensive and can help diagnose a wider range of sleep disorders. Here are the prerequisites for an in-lab sleep study:

Consult a Sleep Medicine Physician

Before undergoing an in-lab sleep study, it is essential to consult a board-certified sleep medicine physician. The physician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns to determine if a sleep study is necessary. They may recommend a sleep diary, review your medications, and perform a physical examination to identify any potential sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, or sleep walking.

Discuss Medications with Your Doctor

It is crucial to discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor before the sleep study. They will advise you on whether to continue, adjust, or temporarily stop taking certain medications, as they may interfere with the test results. Additionally, if you have a history of insomnia or anxiety about sleeping in an unfamiliar place, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you sleep more comfortably during the study.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns and affect the accuracy of the sleep study results. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon and evening before the study. Similarly, alcoholic beverages should be avoided during the afternoon and evening of the test. However, if alcohol is a regular part of your routine, consult your doctor for specific instructions.

Pack an Overnight Bag

An in-lab sleep study typically requires an overnight stay, so you should pack accordingly. Bring comfortable sleepwear or pajamas, a toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items. You may also want to bring a change of clothes for the next day, a book or reading material, and any special items you usually use for bedtime, such as a favourite pillow or a stuffed animal for children.

Prepare Your Hair and Skin

To ensure the proper adhesion of sensors and electrodes, it is important to arrive at the sleep study with clean hair, free from hair sprays, oils, gels, or other styling products. Additionally, avoid using creams, lotions, or makeup on your skin, as these can interfere with the adhesion of the sensors. Clean skin will help ensure that the sensors adhere properly and provide clear readings.

Follow Your Doctor's Instructions

Your doctor may provide specific instructions or guidelines to follow before and during the sleep study. These may include bathing or showering recommendations, restrictions on nail polish or fake nails, and advice on managing any skin allergies you may have. Following these instructions is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the sleep study results.

By following these prerequisites, you can help ensure that your in-lab sleep study is as accurate and comfortable as possible, providing valuable data for diagnosing and treating any potential sleep disorders.

What are the prerequisites for a home sleep study?

A sleep study is a diagnostic test that involves recording multiple systems in the body while you sleep. Before scheduling a home sleep study, there are a few prerequisites to consider:

Consult a Doctor

It is important to consult a doctor, preferably a board-certified sleep medicine physician, to determine if a sleep study is necessary. The doctor will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination to decide if a sleep study is required. They may also recommend a home sleep study if they suspect sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.

Prepare for the Study

If a home sleep study is recommended, there are some preparations to be made:

• Discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor. Do not skip or change your medication routine without consulting them first.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before the study, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns and affect the results.
• If you usually drink alcohol, it is recommended to continue drinking the same amount on the day of the study.
• Pack an overnight bag with items such as comfortable sleepwear, toiletries, a change of clothes for the next day, and any other essentials you may need.
• Do not use hair products, lotions, or creams before the study, as they can interfere with the sensors.
• Bring your own pillow or any items that will help you sleep comfortably.

Understand the Procedure

It is important to understand the procedure and what to expect during the home sleep study:

• Before bedtime, a technologist will attach sensors to your head and body to record information such as brain activity, eye movements, breathing, and heart rate.
• You will need to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or technologist for attaching the sensors and operating the device.
• The device will collect data throughout the night while you sleep in your usual environment.
• In the morning, remove the sensors, and send the data to your doctor for interpretation.

By following these prerequisites and preparing for the home sleep study, you can ensure that the test is conducted effectively and provide valuable data for an accurate diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions