Prepare for your Sleep Study

Do

  • Make sure your hair is clean and dry before you arrive at the sleep center.
  • Relax.  A calm frame of mind will enable you to sleep well.
  • Stick to your normal routine on the night of the study. This includes:
  • Taking your medications (unless your doctor advises you not to)
  • Regular food intake, avoiding caffeine

Do Not

  • Use hairspray or mousse on the day of the study. These could stop the sensors from working properly.
  • Nap on the day of the study as this may impair your sleep at night.
  • Wear nail polish.
  • Consume caffeine the day of your study

Approximate Timeline

  • Arrive at the lab at 7:45 – Please arrive on time.
  • Fill out forms – about 15 minutes
  • Light bedtime snack
  • Change into night clothes and get ready for bed – about 15 minutes
  • Attachment of electrodes (“hookup procedure”) – about 45-60 minutes
  • Bathroom, TV, Reading – about 15-45 minutes
  • Bed time, Lights out scheduled at 10:00pm
  • Lights on between 5:00-5:30am
  • Taking off electrodes – about 15-20 minutes
  • Wash up and start your day – about 15-20 minutes
  • *Follow-up exam with referring physician 3-4 weeks after your studyv