mybonsecours
frequently asked questions
A visit to a sleep disorders facility for a sleep study is likely to be a new experience for you. A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a recording that includes various measurements used to help identify and diagnose sleep disorders. Here's a list of some of our most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the procedure and ensuring your experience is easy:
why do I need a sleep study?
how do I prepare for the study?
should I take my medication?
what will happen when I arrive?
how will I be able to sleep in a strange environment?
what happens during the study?
what if I need to go to the bathroom while I'm hooked up to all these wires?
what happens if I'm scheduled for a nap study?
what happens after my sleep study?
A laboratory sleep study is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing sleep disorders. In order to fully understand your sleep, a sleep specialist will observe various brain activities and body systems throughout the night. After the study, the sleep specialist will review your records and make a treatment recommendation if evidence of a sleep disorder is found.
how do I prepare for the study?
On the day of your study, avoid caffeine after 12 pm and try not to nap. Avoid alcohol. Before coming to the center wash your hair with shampoo only, dry your hair and do not apply hair sprays, oils, or gels. Avoid the use of lotions on your face and legs. Patients are encouraged to bring their own pillows, a book or activity.
Please take as many of your normal medications prior to coming to the study unless otherwise instructed. If you have been given a sedative for the study, be sure to bring it with you to the study. Please bring a list of all your medications as well as dosages and the reason for taking them to your sleep study appointment.
what will happen when I arrive?
When you arrive at the sleep center at 8 pm (please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment), the technician will greet you and show you to your bedroom. You should inform the technician of any changes in your sleep or specific difficulties you have not already addressed with your physician.
You will have time to change into nightclothes (preferably a pajama top and bottom) and get ready for bed. Then approximately two dozen sensors are applied to the skin of your head and body using an adhesive. These sensors will measure your brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, snoring, and heart rate (among other things). Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen will measure your breathing. A clip on your finger or earlobe monitors the level of oxygen in your blood and your heart rate. None of these devices are painful and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible.
how will I be able to sleep in a strange environment?
At the Bon Secours Sleep Center, the surroundings and the bedroom are homey and comfortable like a hotel room. Most patients fall asleep quickly. Moreover, the sensors and devises used in the sleep study do not prevent most patients from falling asleep.
You will be able to roll over and change positions almost as easily as you would at home, and you should feel free to sleep in your customary position.
what happens during the study?
The sleep technicians will stay awake all night while you sleep to make sure that you are safe and also to monitor your sleep. They and their equipment will be in a room separate from your sleeping room. Your sleep may be videotaped for later review of any abnormalities observed during the study.
While you are sleeping various important body functions and measurements are monitored and recorded. If a breathing problem is observed during your study, the technician may awaken you to ask you to try a device that treats breathing problems during sleep.
what if I need to go to the bathroom while I'm hooked up to all these wires?
This is actually a very easy task. All you need to do is say out loud that you need to go to the bathroom. The technician will hear you and come in and unplug you from the box and then you are free to get up. Most patients need to get up at least once during the night.
what happens if I'm scheduled for a nap study?
Sometimes an additional test, called a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), is needed for an additional sleep evaluation. This test requires that you stay at the center for most of the following day for a series of short naps beginning the morning after your overnight study.
Be sure to find out whether you will be staying at the center the next day so you can plan ahead. Call the center in advance to find out specific breakfast and lunch arrangements and the approximate time you will be able to leave.
what happens after my sleep study?
A sleep technologist processes the large amount of data recorded during the night. A sleep specialist with special knowledge of sleep and its disorders then interprets the information. Preliminary results are available within two business days, official results are available in seven days.
Source: "Overnight Sleep Studies," a wellness booklet from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
