Sleep Study
What happens at a sleep study
A sleep study records how your body functions during sleep to help diagnose sleep disorders.
When you arrive for your sleep study, your sleep technician will meet you and show you to your bedroom. You’ll have time to change and get ready for bed as you normally would. There may be some waiting periods while we prepare the monitors and sleep conditions during which you’ll be welcome to read or watch TV. When everything is ready, your technician will attach monitoring equipment which will take about 20 minutes. There will then be a 10–15 minute waiting period in which we allow the adhesives to dry. Then it’s lights out and you’ll be free to sleep.
Start the Process
Ready to take the first step toward better sleep? To begin the process of getting a sleep study, you’ll first need a referral. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mathison and meet with a sleep specialist provided by Catalyst Medical Center. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure you get the care and answers you need.
While you're sleeping
While you’re sleeping, your sleep technician will monitor your brain waves, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing, as well as muscle, eye, and leg movements. If enough breathing disturbances are recorded, the sleep study technician will awaken you to try using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to see if this improves your sleep. Some patients may be asked to return for a second sleep study to try the CPAP therapy.
Items to bring to your sleep study:
A list of your current medications.
Comfortable sleep clothes such as pajamas, shorts, or sweatpants.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other toiletries you need to get ready for bed.
Linens and bedding are provided, however if you prefer to sleep with your own pillow, please feel free to bring it with you.
Instructions for the day of your sleep study:
Avoid caffeine after 12 noon.
Do not take a nap the day of your study.
You may take a shower or bath before arriving, but do not apply body/face lotion, hair gel, or hair spray as clean, dry skin is necessary for our monitors to work.
If you haven’t already, please be sure to visit with your sleep study technician prior to your study to discuss any prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking. You are welcome to either take preapproved medications before you come or bring them with you.
Results & Follow Up
The sleep technicians will not be able to give you any results the night of your sleep study. At the completion of your sleep study, our team of sleep experts will take time to analyze all the data collected from the sleep study monitors and prepare a comprehensive summary along with therapy recommendations, if applicable. This process may take up to two weeks.
A complete sleep study report including recommendations for follow-up care will be sent to your primary care physician. If you tried the CPAP therapy during your sleep study, your physician may want you to try CPAP at home for a period of time before your follow-up visit. If this is the case, they will inform our office and we will contact you to help set up an appointment to get your equipment.
You’ll Appreciate Our Follow-up Care
One of the key advantages to choosing Sleep Wellness Center is our follow-up care program. We’ll keep in touch with you to make sure your personal sleep therapy continues to work for you, and you’ll be happy to know there are no charges for follow-up office visits or equipment checks at Sleep Wellness Center. We just want to make sure you’re doing well.
FAQs
Do I need a referral for a sleep study?
Yes. The first step is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Mathison or another sleep specialist through Catalyst Medical Center. If a sleep study is recommended, your provider sends a referral directly to Sleep Wellness Center, and our team handles the rest.
What happens during a sleep study?
During an in-lab sleep study, a sleep technician attaches monitoring equipment that records brain activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, and muscle, eye, and leg movements while you sleep. The equipment allows the sleep team to see what is happening throughout the night.
How long does a sleep study take?
A sleep study setup process takes about 20 minutes, followed by a short waiting period for the adhesives to dry. After that, you'll sleep through the night while your technician monitors your data remotely.
Will I try CPAP during my sleep study?
If your sleep study shows enough breathing disturbances and your provider determines that a CPAP titration is appropriate, you may be able to try CPAP during the same night. In some cases, a second sleep study may be recommended specifically to determine the appropriate CPAP settings.
What should I bring to a sleep study?
Bring a list of your current medications, comfortable sleepwear, and your usual toiletries. Linens and bedding are provided, but you're welcome to bring your own pillow if that helps you feel more comfortable.
How should I prepare for a sleep study?
Follow your normal routine as much as possible, but avoid caffeine after noon and skip naps on the day of your sleep study. Shower beforehand and avoid applying lotion, hair gel, or hairspray, since clean, dry skin helps the monitoring equipment stay in place. Talk with your sleep technician ahead of time about any medications you take.
How long does it take to get sleep study results?
Results are not available the night of your sleep study. Your sleep data must be reviewed and interpreted before a report is prepared. Sleep Wellness Center typically needs up to two weeks to analyze your data and prepare a report with recommendations for your referring physician.
Does Sleep Wellness Center offer home sleep studies?
Yes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend a home sleep study or an in-lab sleep study. Sleep Wellness Center offers sleep testing options for patients in Fargo and Grand Forks.
Is there a charge for follow-up visits after a sleep study?
No. Sleep Wellness Center does not charge for follow-up office visits or equipment checks. Ongoing follow-up care is included to help make sure your therapy continues working for you.
When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?
There are many common culprits that can get between you and good sleep. Take this quiz to evaluate your sleep to help determine whether you would benefit from a sleep study.