Here’s a straightforward look at what to expect before, during, and after a sleep study - so you can head into the experience feeling informed and at ease.
Why You Might Need a Sleep Study
A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, is used to diagnose common sleep issues such as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Narcolepsy
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
- Chronic Snoring
These conditions can have a major impact on your daily life - and your long-term health. A sleep study helps uncover the underlying causes of poor sleep, so your care team can develop the most effective treatment plan for you.
Preparing for Your Sleep Study
You won’t need to do much in advance, but a few simple steps can help things go smoothly:
- Follow your usual routine - Try to maintain your usual schedule in the days leading up to your sleep study. This means going to bed and waking up at your normal times, avoiding drastic changes in your sleeping habits. The goal is to capture how you typically sleep—not how you sleep under unusual circumstances.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol - Limit or avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks) and alcohol for at least six hours before the test. Both can interfere with your sleep patterns and reduce the quality of the data collected.
- Wash and dry your hair - Before arriving at the sleep center, wash your hair and make sure it’s dry. Avoid using hair products like gels, sprays, or oils, as these can interfere with the sensors placed on your scalp and face.
- Avoid lotions and makeup - Skip heavy lotions, creams, and makeup on your face and body. Clean, dry skin allows the sensors to stick properly and collect accurate readings.
- Pack like you’re staying overnight at a hotel - Think of your sleep study as an overnight stay at a hotel or guest room. You’ll want to bring:
- Comfortable pajamas or sleepwear
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries
- A change of clothes for the morning
- Any medications you regularly take at night or in the morning
- Your favorite pillow or blanket (optional, but it might make you more comfortable!)
The Night of the Study
Once you arrive at the sleep center (usually in the early evening), a sleep technician will greet you and show you to a private room. These rooms are designed to be quiet and comfortable – think more cozy guest room than hospital room.
Getting Set Up
You’ll change into your sleepwear, and then the technician will place sensors on your:
- Scalp (to measure brainwaves)
- Face (to monitor eye movement and jaw activity)
- Chest (to track heart rate and rhythm)
- Legs (to monitor muscle activity)
- Finger (to monitor oxygen levels)
- Nose and Mouth (to track airflow)
- Chest and Abdomen (to measure breathing effort)
All these sensors are connected to a small machine, allowing the technician to monitor your sleep from another room. The process is completely painless, and you’ll still be able to move around, change positions, and even use the restroom if needed.
Falling Asleep
It’s natural to worry that you won’t sleep well in a new environment. But most people can fall asleep more easily than they expect. The staff understand that the setting isn’t your usual bed and will work with you to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Keep in mind: even a few hours of recorded sleep can provide valuable data.
What Happens After the Study
In the morning, the technician will gently wake you and remove the sensors. You’re usually free to leave shortly afterward and can return to your normal daily activities.
Over the next several days, a sleep specialist will review your data—looking at your sleep stages, breathing patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, and any unusual movements or behaviors.
Based on the results, you’ll receive a diagnosis (if appropriate) and recommendations for treatment, which may include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- CPAP Therapy (for sleep apnea)
- Medication
- Further evaluation, such as a daytime nap study (MSLT)
At-Home Sleep Studies: A Simpler Option for Some
In certain cases, such as suspected sleep apnea, your provider may recommend a home sleep apnea test (HSAT). This is a simplified version of the in-lab study, using a portable monitor you wear while sleeping in your own bed.
While convenient, home studies are more limited and may not detect all sleep disorders. Your doctor can help determine which type of study is best for you.
Final Thoughts
A sleep study can seem a little intimidating at first, but it’s a powerful tool that provides real insight into how your body functions at night. Many patients report feeling relieved after their study—not just because they get answers, but because they’re finally on the path to real, restorative sleep.
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, or troubling nighttime symptoms, don’t wait. A visit to Focus Sleep Centers could be the first step toward feeling better, thinking clearer, and living healthier!