Sleep Study

A sleep study (also called a polysomnography) is a test that records the patient’s physical state during various stages of sleep. It provides data that is essential to evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints.  This data includes identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rhythm, and the specific amount of snoring as well as general sleep behavior.

What happens when I have a sleep study performed?

When you arrive at our sleep laboratory, which is located in the SHORECLIFFS Medical Group building, you will be greeted by your sleep technician.  You may be asked to complete a questionnaire that surveys your previous night’s sleep, as well as any necessary forms.  After changing into your sleepwear in complete privacy, a technician will connect you to the electrodes that will record your brain waves and muscle movements throughout the night.  The electrodes are placed in specific areas and applied with water-soluble glue and tape.  There is no discomfort associated with a sleep study.  The electrodes record brain waves, muscle movement, rapid eye movement (REM), breathing, and periodic limb movement. A microphone is gently attached to your neck to record snoring.  Two belt-like straps around the chest and lower abdomen monitor breathing movements.  Despite this necessary equipment, most people say their sleep is not disrupted.

Your sleep room is monitored by video surveillance during the entire sleep study. There is a two-way microphone that allows you to talk to your sleep technician at any time during the night.  You may use the restrooms in complete privacy whenever necessary.  Our sleep rooms are beautifully appointed and each boasts a “Sleep Number” bed to adjust the firmness of your mattress to your personal preference, as well as “black-out” draperies.  The comfort and well being of our patients is our foremost concern.

After settling into bed, your technician will ask you to perform certain tasks that will assure that the electrodes are recording properly.  When all lab performances are checked for thorough accuracy, the lights will be turned off and you can go to sleep.  Many patients are so tired that they have no problem falling asleep.  While you are sleeping, your brain waves will be recorded to determine when you are awake or in stages 1, 2, 3 or REM sleep.  You will be awakened in the morning and the electrodes will be removed.  Since they are applied with water-soluble glue or tape, removal is comfortable.

Before you go home, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning your previous night’s sleep, as well as your overall satisfaction with your experience in our sleep laboratory. It is very important that you make an appointment to review the results of your sleep study with the medical doctor ordering your sleep study. Based on the results of  your sleep study, you may be given treatment for specific sleep disorders. For example, patients with sleep apnea may be prescribed Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, which is a device that gently blows air into your nasal passages to keep the airway open while you are asleep. Patients experience great success in their sleep with this form of therapy, and notice an immediate and appreciated increase in their health and energy levels.

See Adjusting To CPAP

What to do the day of your sleep study

1. Wash and dry your hair on the day of your sleep study. Do not to use any hair products, such as gels, hairsprays or heavy conditioners because these may prevent the electrodes from sticking to your scalp.



2. Remove nail polish and/or artificial nails from at least two fingers. The oximeter that is placed on your finger to monitor blood oxygen levels reads this information through the nail, so any polish or acrylic will inhibit an accurate reading.
3. Do not wear make-up, or apply any lotions, including sunscreen. Some electrodes are placed on your face, so this area must be clean in order to maintain a good connection.
4. You are asked to obtain a normal night’s sleep the night before your sleep study, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Continue to take your regular medications and limit caffeine intake the day of your test.
5. Refrain from taking any naps the day of your study.
6. If you normally shave, please do so before your appointment.
7. It is important that you arrive on time for your sleep study appointment.

What to bring with you to your sleep study

1. It is important that you complete the Patient Forms and bring these with you to your sleep study.
2. Wear or bring a clean nightgown, pajamas or any comfortable, loose-fitting sleep wear.
3. If you prefer your pillow, you may bring it.  We are proud of our clean, comfortable bedding, but your restful night sleep is of utmost importance to us.
4. Bring toiletries such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb. One of our two beautifully appointed bathrooms has a full shower that you are welcome to use during your stay.
5. Bring your clothes for the following day.
6. Bring any medications, and/or food normally taken during the night.
7. You may bring a book or other reading material (we have a variety of magazines for your enjoyment). Your sleep study will not be accurate if you are watching TV, so our sleep rooms do not have televisions.

Please go to Patient Forms to print out and complete the forms necessary for your sleep study.  Please note the difference between forms required for a sleep consultation and forms required for a sleep study.  Bring these completed forms with you to your study.

Note:  The Cancellation Policy and Authorization to Assign Benefits form also lists instructions for your sleep study appointment, as well as directions to our facility.  Please consult the map under Contact Us.