Preparing for overnight sleep study

​​​Sleep laboratory conducts sleep studies to help patients determine the cause of their sleep disorders. Sleep studies includes polysomnography (PSG), Split night/Continuous positive airway pressure titration studies. A polysomnography will be able to collect information such as:

• Snoring

• Brain wave activity (EEG)

• Heart activity

• Eye movements

• Legs movements

• Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels during sleep

• Body position and behavior during sleep

• Air movement and breathing effort

Below is some information to help patient understand on the expectations for an overnight study. 

• On arrival, a sleep technologist will orientate you around the room

• Pre-sleep questionnaires to be filled up

• Non-invasive wires and sensors will be attached to scalp, face, chest and limbs

• CCTV camera will be on through the night for technologist to observe you during sleep

• Monitoring wires will be removed in the morning, patients are allowed to shower before discharge.

• It is expected that you might not sleep quite as well as you do at home in an unfamiliar environment, however, it would not hinder the study nor affect the results. 

• Avoid taking naps during the day before coming in for sleep study

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine

• Remove any nail polish on both index fingers if possible

• Avoid using hairspray, gels, oils or hair products as it may affect sensors on scalp

• Notify us if you have a disability that requires special assistance. A caregiver may be asked to stay overnight depending on circumstances

• Bring regular medications or take them normally. Do not take any sedating or stimulating medications before sleep study, unless consulted and approved by your doctor

• Identification card or any identifying document

• Loose-fitting and comfortable sleep wear

• Personal toiletries, own pillow/blanket if you feel more comfortable using own

• Mask and headgear for CPAP sleep study if requested by doctor

As a sleep study requires patient to be admitted for at least 8hours in the sleep lab, should there be any issues such as late or early discharge, please inform our sleep technologist in advance. 

If feeling unwell on day of sleep study, please call to reschedule sleep study.