What to expect
So you’ve talked to your healthcare provider about your sleep problems, and you’ve been scheduled for an overnight sleep study to figure out what’s going on. What should you expect and how should you prepare?
During an overnight sleep test (called a polysomnogram, or PSG), sensors are placed on your body to record brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, and breathing patterns. These sensors can vary depending on what problems your provider suspects. You will be allowed to go to sleep at your usual bedtime in a private sleep room, with a private bathroom and shower, in most cases. Here’s what you should do to prepare:
- Avoid napping the day of the study
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sedatives, and stimulants for 24 hours, unless otherwise directed by your physician
- Eat like you would normally
- Let the Sleep Disorders Center know in advance if you need any accommodations for dietary restrictions or a disability
- Bring your regular medications, comfortable two-piece sleep attire, and your PAP therapy mask, if applicable
- Make sure your hair is oil- and product-free on the day of the study
- Bring your sleep questionnaire and sleep log (if applicable), along with a list of current medications
- Bring a parent or guardian if you’re younger than 18
- Shift workers should discuss with their physicians the best timing to conduct the sleep test
What to expect during narcolepsy testing
If you have excessive daytime sleepiness and your provider suspects narcolepsy, you might be asked to stay the next day for a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). This test measures the time it takes for you to fall asleep when given the opportunity to nap, providing an objective measure of daytime sleepiness. If you know you’ll have daytime testing as well, please follow these additional instructions:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring reading materials or other activities to occupy free time
- Double check which medications you should be taking prior to the test. Your referring provider might advise you to discontinue certain medications up to two weeks before testing.
- Complete a two-week sleep log prior to the test
- Provide a urine sample for testing prior to the MSLT (this will likely be asked of you)