In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)
A Polysomnogram (PSG) is an in-lab overnight sleep study in which patient
is instructed to spend the night in the sleep disorders center where our
technologist will apply sensors and monitor bodily functions during sleep.
The health care providers usually order this test for patients with symptoms
of sleep disorders which include but are not limited to: snoring, sleep
apnea, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and restless legs.
What to Bring
- Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
- Personal ID / Insurance Card
- Medication to take at bedtime if prescribed and instructed by your care provider.
- A completely filled-out Sleep Questionnaire that our sleep center mailed to you.
How to Prepare
- Please bring comfortable clothing to sleep in. T-Shirt and pajama bottoms
are acceptable.
- Please shampoo and dry your hair prior to your arrival. Be sure your hair
is free of any oil, excessive sprays or other hair products. Gentlemen
should come clean-shaven, unless you normally wear a beard.
- If possible, avoid taking any naps during the day of your sleep study.
- Do no use any caffeine-containing products (i.e. coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate)
after 12 noon on the day of your sleep study. (Decaffeinated products
do contain small amounts of caffeine.)
- Please inform the sleep lab if you wear a hair weave or hair piece. Do
not wear a quick weave sewn-in hair net or a glued-on toupee.
- Cell phone and electronic devices will need to be silenced or turned off
and put away once the study is started.
- If possible, please avoid acrylic nails and lacquer nail polish.
- Do not stop taking any medicines without talking to your doctor. Please
bring a list of all medicines (and dosages) that you are currently taking.
Be sure to bring all medicines you will need with you to your sleep study.
- Family members who come with you to the Sleep Disorders Center must leave
once preparations begin. If you need special assistance or help, please
make plans ahead of time with the Sleep Disorders Center staff.
- Please bring your own toiletry items such as toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
You may bring a personal pillow, if necessary, to help you sleep better.
You will have about 1 hour to adjust to your surroundings before the sleep
test begins.
-
If you are having a sleep study due to problems with excessive daytime
sleepiness or plan to take a sleep medicine,
make sure someone drives you to the Center and picks you up after testing. If this is not possible, call us at (985) 230-6083, and we will help
you find a solution.
What to Expect
- When you arrive at the sleep center, our sleep technologist will escort
you directly to your room.
- Our room is a soundproof, hotel-style bedroom with an adjustable, queen-sized
bed, a recliner and a private, a full bathroom.
- Our technologist will go over the hospital’s forms and the sleep
screening form with you. He/she will explain the procedure that your doctor ordered.
- During the setup, you will have disc-like electrodes applied to your scalp
using a conductive paste to hold them down and a few body sensors applied
to measure breathing and body movements.
- At the start of the test, a technologist will turn off the light in your
room to allow you to fall asleep. If you are here for a sleep apnea treatment
therapy, the technologist will turn on a CPAP machine at this time.
- You will be given a patient call button to call your technologist, should
you need assistance at night.
How Sleep Study Results are Provided
A board certified sleep specialist (a doctor who is specially trained in
reading and interpreting sleep study) will interpret the data and send
the result or information to your doctor.
Schedule an Appointment
Call North Oaks Sleep Disorders Center at (985) 230-6083.