Table of Contents

1. Why should I have my sleep recorded?
2. What will you measure?
3. Will I be able to sleep?
4. What to expect the night of your study?
5. How to Prepare?
6. What to bring?
7. What do you do with the sleep study data once recorded?

Why should I have my sleep recorded?

Disrupted sleep can disturb daytime activities and some medical problems during sleep pose a risk to your basic health.  These parameters are recorded to obtain objective information about the quality of sleep to better define your sleep problem.

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What will you measure?

The most basic test is called a polysomnogram, or PSG. During a PSG test we measure your body functions while you sleep.  Digital information collected during a 6 hour period can add up to 140 mega bytes.  Tests vary depending on the individual case, and some measurements taken may include:

•  Brain waves (Elector-Encephalogram, EEG)

•  Heart waves (Electro Cardiogram, EKG)

•  Eye Movements (Electro-Oculargram, EOG)

•  Limb Movements (Electro-Myogram, EMG)

•  Breathing (nasal/oral) 

•  Bands around the torso to measure chest, abdomen movements during breathing

•  Sensors on the legs to measure leg movement

•  Blood oxygen (Pulse Oximetry: SpO2)

•  Video and sound recordings

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Will I be able to sleep?

Contrary to what you might think, most people sleep well during sleep studies.  For example, body sensors are applied in a manner that will allow you to turn and move during sleep.  Generally, you will not be aware of the sensors after they have been on for a short time.  Our staff makes the environment as comfortable as possible.  If you need to get up and move anytime during the test, your technologist will disconnect you from the equipment.

This is merely a recording of your sleep not a performance test.  So, relax and try to make the best of a night out!

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What to expect the night of your study?

We will greet you at your appointment time in the clinic reception area.  You will be asked to complete a short package of questionnaires after you have been shown to your private room.  Your technologist will ask you to change and then will explain the hook up process and answer any additional questions you may have. 

Your technologist will connect various electrodes to your body using a special conductive paste.  This process takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.  After the quality of the signals from electrodes are verified, we turn off the lights, close the door and let you sleep normally.  

Throughout the night your technologist monitors your sleep via audio/video link to your room. You will have an intercom system next to your bed to communicate with the technologist if needed.  Your technologist also monitors all the signals from the electrodes connected to your body as they are recorded. Your technologist can help you get unhooked if you need to get up and go to the bathroom.

After your test is finished, you will be awakened around 6 a.m. You are done!

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How to prepare?

We will be attaching electrodes to parts of you head, face and body to monitor your sleep.  To establish best contact for the electrodes we need your skin and hair to be clean and dry. 

• Please take a shower before coming to your appointment
• Please do not use any hair or body lotions
• Please do not use any makeup

It is very important to follow these instructions. This will allow us to gather the best data from your visit  and minimize the chance of having to re-do the test due to electrode contact failure.

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What to bring?

• Nightclothes are a must! Please bring a two-piece set, such as shorts and a t-shirt, or pajamas, or a tracksuit.
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, comb etc.)
• A snack if you would like something to eat before bed.
• ANY NEEDED MEDICATION!. Do not discontinue any medications prior to study without consulting your physician.
• Any items that will make you feel more at home, such as a special pillow or blanket.
• If you are using a CPAP/BiPAP, please bring your mask with you.
• Something to read or to work on before you go to bed.  Rooms are equipped with VCR and TV.  You may bring your own video tape to watch if you wish.
• You may ask one family member or friend to keep your company until bedtime.

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What are the next steps after my sleep study?

The record of your sleep study will be stored permanently at the sleep clinic.  It will be analyzed in detail by a technologist and interpreted by our sleep specialist physician.  The information will then be forwarded to your referring physician.  We will inform you when we submit your results to your physician.  At that time you need to make an appointment with your physician to go over the results of your study and discuss your treatment plan.

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