How to Prepare for a Sleep Study

Having a sleep study at Atlantic Sleep Centers requires some preparation on behalf of the patient.

Do:

• Shampoo your hair and make sure it is free of hair spray or other styling products
• Bring comfortable sleeping attire
• Arrive on time for your appointment
• Contact us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel
• Call ahead if you feel ill on the day of your test
• Bring an up-to-date insurance card, personal identification and a list of your current medications.
• Remind family and loved ones that they may not remain at our center with you overnight (patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• Eat your regular evening meal before arriving
• Bring the completed sleep questionnaire, which will be mailed to you in advance of your appointment

Don’t:

• Consume alcohol, caffeine, sedatives or stimulants for 24 hours prior to your test, unless otherwise directed by a physician
• Nap on the day of your test
• Bring any valuables, such as jewelry
• Smoke on our premises

Medications

We recommend that patients bring all of their current medications with them and plan to continue to take them as normal, unless a physician instructs otherwise. This includes over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, aspirin and ibuprofen.

Exceptions apply for patients who are scheduled for a multiple latency sleep test (MSLT). Those individuals may need to avoid stimulant medications for up to two weeks prior to the exam. Please check with your physician beforehand.