What to Expect When Undergoing a Sleep Study

Conducted in a bedroom suite, a sleep study helps pinpoint the cause of a sleep disturbance. The patient arrives at 8 p.m. and follows normal evening routines, such as reading or watching television, until bedtime. Before falling asleep, the patient is connected by sensors to state-of-the-art diagnostic monitors that track and record electrocardiograms, oxygen levels, breathing patterns, snoring, muscle activity, brain waves and other physiologic activities. Connection to the sensors is painless and takes about an hour.

The patient is monitored throughout the night by a trained polysomnographer who also is a licensed respiratory care practitioner. The patient is awakened at about 6 a.m., and may use a shower conveniently located in the room’s private bathroom.

The study is evaluated by a board-certified sleep medicine physician and shared with the patient’s doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, a wide variety of treatments is available to help patients feel better, have increased energy and benefit from a healthy night’s sleep.