Polysomnography is a non-invasive procedure used to diagnose various sleep disorders. The test involves monitoring several physiological activities, including brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and muscle activity, while you sleep in a specialized facility. Because the accuracy of the data collected depends heavily on your comfort and proper sensor placement, arriving prepared is paramount to a successful study.
Required Administrative and Medical Items
Upon arrival at the sleep center, you will need to present your government-issued photo identification and your current medical insurance card. If your study was ordered by a physician outside of the sleep center, bring the original physician’s referral or prescription for the test, as the study cannot proceed without this documentation. A precise and up-to-date list of all medications you currently take is also necessary for the sleep technician. This list should include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, along with the specific dosage and the time you typically take them. Bring only the essential prescribed medications that you need to take during the hours you will be at the clinic, preferably in their original containers. Technicians are typically unable to dispense any medications.
Comfort Items for Your Stay
Creating an environment that feels familiar and relaxing will help mitigate the “first night effect,” which is the tendency to sleep differently in an unfamiliar setting. Focus on bringing loose-fitting, two-piece sleepwear, such as a comfortable T-shirt and shorts or full pajama bottoms. Two-piece garments are necessary because the technician needs unobstructed access to your chest, abdomen, and legs for sensor placement. Pack your personal toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution, and a hairbrush. Most facilities provide access to a shower so you can remove the sensor paste and adhesive in the morning. You may also consider bringing a favorite pillow or a small, familiar blanket from home, as this can offer psychological comfort that aids in falling asleep naturally. A quiet, non-electronic form of entertainment, such as a book or magazine, can help you relax before the monitoring begins.
Pre-Study Preparation Steps
The quality of the data collected during polysomnography relies heavily on the proper adhesion and conductivity of the numerous sensors placed on your body. Specific preparation steps must be completed on the day of your study, well before your arrival. Showering and washing your hair thoroughly is highly recommended, but you must avoid applying any hair styling products, such as gels, oils, or sprays. Residue from these products, along with body lotions or moisturizers, can create a barrier that prevents the sensors from sticking securely to the skin and scalp.
Face and body makeup should not be worn, as it interferes with the placement and reading accuracy of facial electrodes. If you wear nail polish or artificial nails, remove them from at least one index finger. An oximeter will be placed on this finger to measure your blood oxygen saturation, and dark or artificial coverings can distort the light signal required for an accurate reading. Furthermore, you must avoid napping on the day of the study to ensure you are sufficiently tired for the test.
On the day of the test, you must abstain from consuming caffeine and alcohol, as both substances alter your natural sleep architecture. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, should typically be avoided after 12:00 PM, though specific instructions may vary by lab. Alcohol acts as a sedative but disrupts the later stages of sleep, which would skew the study’s findings. Eating a regular dinner before your scheduled arrival is encouraged, but avoid overly spicy foods that might cause nighttime discomfort.
Items That Are Restricted or Unnecessary
While the goal is comfort, certain items must be left at home because they can interfere with the testing environment or the monitoring equipment. It is best to minimize distractions and the risk of loss while you are focused on the study.
- Valuables, including expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or sentimental items, should not be brought to the facility.
- Strongly scented products, such as heavy perfumes or colognes, must be avoided entirely, as they can be disruptive to staff and other patients.
- Most sleep centers are non-smoking environments, and you will be required to refrain from smoking for a period before the study begins.
- Large electronics, like gaming consoles or tablets, are generally unnecessary, though a cell phone is usually permitted if it can be silenced during the test.
- Food and excessive drinks are often restricted unless required for a medical condition like diabetes; check with the facility beforehand.