Overnight sleep studies are considered the gold standard in sleep disorder diagnostics.
What to Expect From the Sleep Study
You will arrive for your sleep study between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Upon arrival, a technologist will lead you to your bedroom, review the equipment and talk to you about the study. He or she will then leave and you will change into your pajamas and get ready for bed normally. Many patients relax, watch TV or read.
When the technologist returns, approximately 24 sensors will be applied to your skin and body to record your vital signs throughout the night. Elastic belts on your chest and abdomen will measure bleeding and a clip on your finger will monitor your heart rate and the oxygen levels in your blood. Although these sensors will feel strange at first, most people get used to them quickly. Once you’ve fallen asleep, the technologist will stay awake all night in a nearby room monitoring your sleep.