Frequently Asked Questions - Questions about Sleep Studies
Read the instructions for your overnight sleep study - arrival details, what to bring, what happens... everything you need to know before arriving!
Is a sleep study covered by my insurance?
In-lab studies are, but home studies are not. Besides co-pays or deductibles, the in-lab services are usually covered and we’ll work with your insurance before your study.
What do I need to do to bring for my sleep study?
Bring any medications you normally take at night and in the morning, and pack a small bag as if you were staying in a hotel for one night. This includes night clothes, toiletries, etc. There may be some free time in that evening, so you may want to bring something like a book to read for that time. Try to eat dinner before arriving. Bring all your medications with you as we don’t stock medications.
What if I cannot fall asleep during the study?
This is one of the most common concerns from patients regarding sleep studies. Nearly everyone, even the patient with severe insomnia for years or with high levels of anxiety, falls asleep during the study. You may not sleep at the typical time for you, but once you do, you will sleep in a very similar way that you normally do. For that very small group (it is indeed, very small), we can simply repeat the test another day. Do not feel worried about this as we are well prepared to help you.
Will I sleep differently during the test than normally at home?
You may sleep at a different time than is usual, but once you are asleep, you will sleep in a similar way as you normally do.
How long is a sleep study?
The study starts in the evening from 7pm to 9pm, depending on your scheduled appointment time. You do not need to fall asleep right away and you can sleep at your normal bed time. This is to allow the technologists to apply electrodes (they do not hurt) and calibrate the software. You may not sleep at your regular time, and that is OK. You’ll leave in the morning after you wake and are ready.
Does a sleep study hurt?
No. There are electrodes that are placed on the skin, but they do not poke or puncture the skin. It is similar to the electrodes placed during an EKG heart test. There is no electricity in the electrodes coming from the software, instead, they just 'listen' to the electricity already present in everyone’s body.
What happens during a sleep study?
You will come in to the clinic, and our staff will help explain the process of the test. They will place non-painful electrodes on your head, arms, legs, and chest. They will take a few minutes to get used to, and you will sleep at a time that is natural for you. In the morning our staff will take off the electrodes (non-painful) and you can shower if you wish before you go home or to work.
What happens if I have to use the bathroom during the study?
During the study if you need to use the bathroom, press the attendant button by your bed, and we can unplug the electrodes so you can use the bathroom by yourself. The electrodes do not need to come off, but they can be disconnected all at once so you can get back to sleep when you are ready.
What happens after a sleep study?
Each sleep study generates about a thousand pages of information that we'll study in depth to learn more about you and your sleep. We'll write a report of the results and send them to the physician who referred you. We'd like to visit with you in our office to go over these results and answer any questions you have. If there is something that we can treat, we'll go over your options and work with you to find a solution that fits your lifestyle.
Are the rooms private for the study?
Yes. While this is not always guaranteed at other sleep centers, we have made it a priority to have comfortable and high quality rooms that give you privacy.
Can I take a shower in the morning after a study?
Yes, if you would like to.
Can I do this study at home?
It may be possible. However, home studies do not offer the amount of information that in-lab studies offer and are not covered by insurance in most circumstances, unlike in-lab tests. We have the technology and can offer it if we do not need the full information an in-lab test provides.