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Preparing For Your Sleep Study

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When you schedule your sleep study appointment, you will be given written instructions and we will call you to verify your arrival time prior to your appointment.

You should plan on being at the sleep laboratory from approximately 9 p.m. in the evening of your study until 7 a.m. the next morning.

Preparing For Your Study

  • Refrain from using alcohol, narcotic medications (unless you take them on a regular basis) and caffeine (e.g. chocolate, coffee, tea and cola) for at least 12 hours prior to your study.
  • Shower and shampoo the day of your study, but refrain from applying makeup or moisturizers. Clean skin and hair help the sensors remain attached to you.
  • Bring comfortable sleepwear and toiletries; as you will be able to shower the morning after your study. Towels will be provided.
  • Please bring a complete list of the medications you currently are taking. If you routinely take medications in the evening or when you rise in the morning, be sure to bring them with you to the sleep lab.

Evening of Your Study

Upon your arrival at the sleep lab,  you will be provided with a private room, bathroom and shower.

Shortly afterwards, a sleep technician will apply monitoring sensors to your chest, abdomen, face, scalp, and legs.

These sensors monitor brain waves to determine your stage of sleep. They also detect eye movements, heart rhythm, airflow from your nose and mouth, blood oxygen levels, and muscle activity during sleep. An audio-visual camera will monitor your body movements and position, and any snoring that occurs.

You will most likely be scheduled for two separate nights in the sleep lab:

  • One night to diagnose your sleep problem
  • A second night to treat your sleep problem with positive pressure therapy (CPAP or BPAP®).

However, if the technician notices a significant amount of sleep apnea during your diagnostic sleep study, he or she will initiate therapy the same night.

After a doctor reviews the results of your sleep study, you will be contacted by a member of UPMC's Sleep Medicine Center and given further information and guidance.

If you are ordered CPAP or BPAP® therapy, you should receive the machine and equipment in two or three weeks after your study.

If you have any questions regarding your sleep study results or experience delays in receiving therapy, contact us.