Sleep Lab

What to Expect During Your Sleep Study

A sleep study records what happens to your body when you sleep to help us determine what is causing your sleep problems.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may offer an at-home sleep study, which is a simplified version of an in-lab sleep study with fewer sensors that can be done in the comfort of your own home and bed.

Home sleep tests, which can be a convenient and comfortable option for many, but not all, can be used to diagnose or rule out sleep apnea. Your provider will discuss your options based on your specific situation and medical history.

If you are scheduled for a home sleep test, you will be called to schedule an appointment at the Wentworth-Douglass Sleep Lab where a sleep technologist will give you the needed equipment and show you how to properly place the sensors. The sensors will record your airflow, snoring, breathing effort, heart rate and oxygen levels throughout the night. The equipment is used for one night and will need to be returned to the sleep lab the following day so that the data can be downloaded and analyzed.

The results of the home sleep test will be sent to the provider who ordered your test to decide on further treatment options.

For those who are scheduled for an onsite sleep study, the Sleep Lab has private, comfortable rooms with queen-size Sleep Number beds, private bathrooms and showers, flat screen TVs, DVD players and Wi-Fi.

During your sleep study, a sleep technician will connect you to equipment that will monitor your brain waves, respirations, snoring, muscle movements, heartbeat, oxygen levels and body position. You won’t feel any pain during the testing and a sleep technician is available throughout the night should you require any assistance.

We know you may sleep differently in the Sleep Lab than you do at home, so we attempt to create a quiet, restful environment for you.

Our sleep technologist will be in a separate control room while monitoring your sleep study. 

How to Prepare for Your Sleep Study

• It’s best to try to follow your normal sleep routine in the days and weeks leading up to your study so you won’t be too tired or too rested for your sleep test.
• Shower, wash your hair and shave before arriving at your appointment. Please don’t use hair gels and conditioners on the day of your sleep test.
• Don’t consume any caffeine or alcohol for four hours prior to your appointment.
• Bring a list of medications, including names of the medications and dosages.
• Take any medications as prescribed by your physician.
• Feel free to bring a favorite pillow and a book with you.
• Bring comfortable bedtime clothing.
• If you plan to shower the morning after your study, you may want to bring your personal toiletries.
• Try to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible. 

Location

The Sleep Lab is located on the third floor of Wentworth-Douglass closest to the South Entrance. Use Elevator 8 or 9.

Appointments may be made by your primary care provider or specialty care provider.

For more information, please call (603) 740-6598.