What to Expect During Your Sleep Study
A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a recording that includes measurements used to identify various sleep problems. We would like to familiarize you with our testing procedures so that your experience will be pleasant and comfortable. Sleep is not a simple process. It can be divided into multiple levels, each with unique features. These levels or stages of sleep include drowsiness, light sleep, deep sleep, and dream sleep. We will monitor and identify these stages of sleep by measuring different activities of the brain and body.
During sleep testing, small metal disks (called electrodes) are applied to your head and skin with adhesive. These electrodes monitor the activities that go on in your body during sleep. We monitor brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing and snoring, and heart rate. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen monitor your breathing. A sensor taped to your finger monitors your heart rate and levels of oxygen in your blood. Your sleep will be videotaped for later review of any abnormalities observed during the study. None of these devices is painful or dangerous and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible.
In order to fully understand your sleep and any problems associated with it, we need to look at various brain activities and body systems as well as their relationships throughout the night. The sleep study, its analysis, and its interpretation are part of a complex process. After the study, specially trained sleep technologists process or ìscoreî the large amount of data recorded during the study. A physician specializing in sleep medicine then interprets the information. Because this is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, it may take some time to receive the results of your study. The sleep technologist should be able to give you an idea when the results will be available. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us, prior to your sleep study or ask the technologist.
How will I be able to sleep with all those wires on me?
You might expect a sleep center to be a cold, impersonal, and technical place. However, our bedrooms are homey and comfortable.
The technical equipment and technologists are in a separate room from your bedroom, and the electrode wires will be gathered together in a kind of ponytail behind your head so that you will be able to roll over and change positions almost as easily as you would be able to at home. Getting out of bed during the night is also easily accomplished. On the day of you sleep study, avoid caffeine after 2:00pm and try not to nap that day. Before coming to the sleep center, wash and dry your hair, and do not apply hair sprays, oils or gels. You may also be asked to remove any hairpieces or nail polish prior to the study.
What will happen when I arrive at the sleep center?
Before coming to the center you should pack an overnight bag, as you would for an overnight stay at a hotel. You may want to include you own pillow and extra clothing, as well as loose comfortable pajama-type clothes to sleep in. You may also bring a snack and any medication you may require. When you arrive at the sleep center the technologist will greet you and show you to your bedroom.
The technologist will explain the set-up procedure and allow you to ask any questions you may have. You should also inform the technologist of any changes in your sleep or specific difficulties that you have not already discussed with your healthcare professional. You will be given time to change into your nightclothes and get ready for bed. There may be a waiting period as the technologist applies the electrodes, and you may read, watch TV or relax during this time.
If you have a commitment in the morning, be sure to inform the sleep technologist prior to your study, so a wake-up call can be arranged. Otherwise, you can expect to be up sometime between 5:30 - 6:30 am.
While you are sleeping, various important signals are recorded. The technologist will monitor your sleep throughout the night from an adjoining room. If a breathing problem is observed during your study, the technologist may awaken you to try a treatment option used to treat breathing problems during sleep. If this is a possibility, the technologist will familiarize you with the device prior to your sleep study and answer any questions you may have.
Should I take my medication as usual?
Yes, unless specifically instructed by your physician, take your medication as usual. Also bring any medication you will need during your overnight stay. The sleep center does not provide medications or snacks. It is important for the sleep professional to know what medications you are taking since certain medications can affect sleep.
What happens after my sleep study?
You may have a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider or a sleep specialist to discuss the results of your study. The Sleep Disorders Center will contact you if you are to have a follow up appointment.
It is preferred that you wait until the sleep study results are available before the follow-up appointment is scheduled. Sleep study results are not generally discussed over the telephone because of their complex nature. To fully understand the results of your sleep study, their implications, and treatment option recommendations, you should meet face-to-face with a healthcare professional.
We hope that your experience at the sleep center will be a pleasant one. Understanding the sleep process and sleep disorders will help you take an active and positive role in your care. Cancellations also require 24-hour notice. There may be a substantial delay in rescheduling your next appointment if you cancel or fail to show for you sleep study. If you have any questions please contact us (812) 275-1448 or email us at the Sleep Disorders Center.
We look forward to meeting you.
