Preparing for Polysomnography

A sleep study, called a polysomnogram, requires an overnight stay in a private room in a sleep laboratory.

Patients are asked to follow their usual daily activities on the day of the study, but they are encouraged to avoid naps and stimulants like caffeine. Patients usually arrive at the laboratory in the early evening with their sleeping clothes and toiletries.

Once in the room, monitoring devices will be applied to record the type of information requested by your doctor. Sensors will monitor your brain waves (EEG activity), heart rate (EKG), eye movements, leg muscle activity and chest and stomach movement. Air flow from your nose and mouth will be recorded, and your oxygen levels will be measured by a sensor that clips to your finger. Sleep studies typically end in the early morning hours, allowing patients to return to their normal daytime routine.