Time to study
Sleep-over
Your doctor has ordered a sleep study (PSG or polysomnogram). This is to find out how well you sleep and what kind of sleep problems you may have. You will most likely go to a sleep lab for the study (at the doctor’s office or a hospital). Sometimes it can be done in your home.
Your sleep study will most likely be for one or two nights/days. You will arrive close to your normal bedtime. Unless your doctor wants you to take more tests, you will leave shortly after your normal time to get up.
A sleep study does not hurt. You sleep in a room much like a hotel or hospital room. A sleep technician (a person trained in sleep problems) observes you with a video camera and records (on paper or computer) how you sleep.
A computer or other machine records your sleep patterns. Wires with sensors and an oxygen measuring device are taped to your body and hooked up to the computer or machine.
SLEEP CAM
Once in your room, you are asked to make yourself comfortable. The camera does not start until you go to bed. Knowing you are “on camera” may bother you at first, but you will get used to it quickly.
Hooking up
The sensors are attached to the outside of your body with a special paste or tape. They do not hurt. (There are no needles, and no blood is drawn.) The skin where the sensors are attached may be sensitive or irritated when the tape is removed. Your finger may be a little warm from the oxygen measuring device. You may think that it will be hard to sleep while hooked up to all of these wires. Most people have no problems with them. The sensors are placed very carefully so you can turn and move while you sleep. Even if you don’t sleep well or get a full night’s sleep, you will most likely sleep enough for the technician to get the information needed.
© 1997–2015 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.
Other tests The sensors are:
Placed here head
To record brain waves
chest heart rate & chest/ abdomen movement by each eye
eye movements
chin
muscle tension
lower legs
leg movements
between nose breathing and mouth and around chest and/or stomach end of a finger blood oxygen levels or toe
MSLT (multiple sleep latency test) Based on the results of your sleep study, you may need to stay the next day for an MSLT. This is a study of your level of daytime sleepiness. You take a series of naps (most often 20 minutes each)—one every two hours. This starts in the morning and ends in the evening around 5:00 pm.
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) If your doctor thinks you have a breathing problem while you sleep (like sleep apnea), you may be given CPAP (an air pressure device) during your sleep study. This device has a mask you wear that feeds air into your nose or mouth while you sleep. During your study, the technician will find the right amount of air pressure you need to keep your airway open.
MWT (maintenance of wakefulness test) This test shows how well you are able to stay awake and alert when you are normally awake. It is usually done the day after a PSG and will take most of the day.
Notes:
Before your study
After your study
The day of your sleep study, you should not:
Your test results are reviewed and then sent to your doctor. This may take about a week. Your doctor can then decide what your sleep problems are and what kind of treatment you need.
eat or drink anything with caffeine drink alcohol use lotion, hair spray or gel (This interferes with the sensors.) take a nap diet or exercise (unless part of your normal routine)
Write down any questions you have about your sleep study here:
W
atch by night Going for a sleep study
eat after a certain time (Ask your doctor about this.)
What to bring pajamas or bedclothes personal items (toothbrush, brush, hair dryer, etc.) pillow (if desired) or anything else to help you sleep better change of clothes Most sleep studies are covered by insurance as an outpatient procedure. Check with your insurance company before your sleep study to see what is covered. Your doctor or nurse can help you with forms or procedures that your insurance company requires.
something to read or work on (if you will have an MSLT or an MWT) medicines (Take your medicines as usual unless your doctor tells you not to.)
produced by:
Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc. ®
Atlanta, Georgia 30340 • 800-241-4925 • www.p-h.com Bringing Patients & Health Together
© 1997–2015 Pritchett & Hull Associates, Inc.
Product # 254