What to Expect During a Sleep Study

If you are scheduled for a sleep study in a sleep center, you may be wondering what to expect. At Atlantic Health Sleep Centers, all of our sleep testing rooms mimic hotel suites, complete with a full-size bed, reclining chair, television and private bathroom. Complimentary snacks and breakfast are included.

On the day of your appointment, you will be asked to arrive at our center between 8:30 and 9:15pm so our sleep technicians can prepare you for the study. They will place several small sensors on your scalp, face, chest, abdomen and legs.

You will then go to sleep at your regular bed time, after which we will use the previously-placed sensors to monitor and record your brain wave activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart activity and breathing pattern throughout the night. If no other tests are scheduled, you will be able to leave the center the next morning between 6:00 and 7:00am.

One of our physicians will carefully analyze your results and will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you at a follow-up office visit.
 

Additional Testing for Narcolepsy

Patients who have excessive daytime sleepiness and are suspected of having narcolepsy will receive a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) on the day following their overnight sleep test. During the exam, you will have five opportunities to nap throughout the day for two hours at a time while electrical activity is recorded from your brain, eyes and chin muscles. How long it takes for you to fall asleep each time will also be measured. Breakfast and lunch are provided and the study concludes at 5:00pm.
 

Home Sleep Studies

Your physician may determine that a home sleep test is an option for you. The home sleep testing device is simple to use and comfortable to wear, but diagnosis is limited to verifying the presence of sleep apnea and its severity. Other types of sleep disorders require a visit to our sleep center. For your convenience, the equipment and instructions can either be picked up in person at our center or mailed to your home.