The Night of the Sleep Study

What should I bring?

Pack as you would for an overnight hospital stay. For the benefit of your privacy and comfort, please bring appropriate and comfortable nightclothes (such as a night gown, T-shirts and shorts, or pajama top and bottoms). Other patients and staff members will be in the general testing area. Review the recommended checklist below to ensure that you have everything you might need.

Recommended check list:

  • Comfortable nightclothes (pajamas or T-shirt and shorts)
  • Toiletries and make-up
  • Change of clothes
  • Medications
  • Special pillow or blanket (if desired)
  • Reading material
  • Snack

What about medications?

Please take your medications as usual or bring them to the center, if necessary. Upon arrival at the Sleep Center, the technologist will tell you your approximate bedtime so that you may take nighttime medications accordingly. If you have trouble sleeping, our staff can offer a sleeping aid. We also recommend you discuss with your medical provider whether your medications will affect the sleep study results.

Should I eat my evening meal?

Please eat your evening meal before arrival. You may bring a snack if you wish. An evening meal will not be provided.

Can I have a nap?

It is important you avoid napping on the day of the study.

Can I have caffeine?

Avoid caffeine (coffee, colas, chocolates, etc.) on the day of the study.

Can I smoke?

The CMH Sleep Center is a non-smoking facility.

Should I take a shower before the study?

Yes. Wash and dry your hair and do not apply any sprays, oils, gels or make-up.

What if I am running late?

Please contact our Sleep Center directly at (563) 578-3275 and let us know your approximate time of arrival or if you will need to reschedule.

What happens when I arrive at the Sleep Center?

The study usually begins in the late evening per your appointment time of 8:30 p.m. and ends between 6 and 7 a.m. Once you arrive, a sleep technologist will welcome you and show you to your private bedroom. The technologist will ask you to fill out some forms and answer any questions you may have. As part of your orientation, you will watch a video that will explain the process.

How do I get ready for the study?

After you change into your sleepwear, the sleep technologist will place a number of non-painful sensors (also called electrodes) on your head, chest area and legs. The areas where the sensors will be attached are cleaned, and the electrodes are attached with special gels and paste. (The gels and paste are harmless, however, if you have sensitive skin, please alert your sleep technologist prior to attaching the electrodes.)

Elastic belts with sensors will be placed around your chest and abdomen. Airflow sensors will be placed under your nose and a finger clip will be applied to monitor your oxygen levels. All of the sensors will be connected to a small portable box that transmits signals to the sleep monitoring and recording equipment that is in a nearby control room.

Will I be able to sleep with so many things attached to me?

You may find it a bit strange at first, but most people do not find it uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. We will make every effort to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. If a problem arises, your sleep technologist will make adjustments. The bedroom has an intercom that enables you to communicate with your technologist at any time.

What if I need to go to the bathroom during the study?

If you need to use the bathroom during the night, you can call your sleep technologist on the intercom for assistance. That individual will temporarily disconnect you from the sleep monitoring equipment.

When can I leave the Sleep Center?

You should plan to add an additional 30 minutes to your usual morning preparation time to allow us to remove the electrodes. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, please let us know when you arrive in the center so we can accommodate your request.

What happens after my sleep study?

A large amount of information is collected during your sleep study. A sleep specialist will analyze this information and a formal report will be sent to your medical provider. On the night of the study, the sleep technologists cannot provide you with any information about your testing results.

When will my medical provider receive my results?

It usually takes several days for your medical provider to receive your formal report. Please schedule a follow-up visit with your provider after that time to discuss the findings and recommendations for treatment.

For more information, call the UnityPoint Health – CMH Sleep Center at (563 )578-3275.