A NIGHT IN A SLEEP CENTER
If a healthcare professional orders a sleep study, a visit to a sleep disorders facility is likely to be a new experience. As a patient, you will likely participate in a sleep study or polysomnogram, a test that will evaluate the quality and quantity of sleep stages. Continuous recordings of the brain waves, heart and lung function, eye movement, leg movement, chin, chest and actual air flow changes are made. EKG and oxygen levels are also recorded.

YOU WILL HAVE THE SAFEST SLEEP POSSIBLE
The same sleep you experience at home will also occur in the sleep lab, except that it will be observed and measured. Nothing is done in the lab to change sleep-related events, nor is anything inserted into the body. In fact, an elaborate, well planned, pre-sleep regimen is undertaken, which includes preparing and applying external electrode and answering any questions you may have concerning sleep and the sleep lab. Some patients feel uncomfortable when wired with electrodes and monitored by microphones and visual observation, but they usually sleep adequately - even on the first night. The sleep lab environment is safe and conducive to sleep. It is dark, quiet, and pleasing, with controlled, comfortable temperature.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SLEEP LAB
In order to prepare for your sleep study, it is important to maintain your normal daily schedule and avoid starting a new diet or exercise program prior to your stay. Be sure to tell the sleep center personnel about any medications you are taking. Generally, patients do not need to discontinue other medications, but the sleep lab personnel should know about them, nevertheless. Prior to arriving, shampoo your hair and do not apply oils or conditioners, as they may interfere with establishing good electrode contacts. Remove acrylic fingernails and any fingernail polish from your right index finger. If you are to report for a sleep study at 9:00 P.M., eat your evening meal approximately 90 minutes before arriving. Avoid foods that contain caffeine including coffee, tea, cola and chocolate during each day of the scheduled study. Also avoid alcoholic beverages, and do not take naps during the day. Bring your regular, comfortable night clothes (no gowns please), a robe, slippers, and even your own pillow if you think it will help you sleep better.

HOW IS THE POLYSOMNOGRAM PERFORMED?
A specially trained technician will conduct the evaluation. After you are dressed for sleep, the technician will apply approximately 20 small, lightweight electrodes - with a thick paste - to your scalp and skin. You may feel a slight tingling sensation where the skin is cleaned, but that is all. Once you are in bed, the technician will apply an oxygen sensor to your finger and straps around your chest and stomach to help measure your breathing and how your sleep is being disrupted. The wires attached to the monitors are plugged into a box and then into a cable, making it easy to disconnect the cable. The technician will be in an adjacent room monitoring your sleep. You will be observed by both camera and intercom should you need anything.

HOW LONG WILL THE MONITORING LAST?
An overnight sleep study usually ends around 5:30 A.M. to 6:30 A.M. the following morning If a "nap study", or Multiple Sleep Latency Test is requested, it follows the overnight study and ends around 4:30 P.M.

WHEN ARE THE RESULTS KNOWN?
A tremendous volume of sleep information is collected and in the computer. A lab technician will analiyze all of the data. Then, the second study, your sleep history, physical examination, observation notes from the technicians, and any other testing you may have had will be forwarded to the Sleep Specialist. Careful interpretation of all results is then undertaken, and this leads to a diagnosis of the sleep problem, as well as recommendations for treatment. The final report should be completed in three to five days. You will probably have a follow-up visit with your referring physician and / or the Sleep Specialist to discuss the results and appropriate treatment options. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. The sleep lab personnel are ready to help you understand and make you comfortable during your stay in the sleep lab.