In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)

A polysomnogram is an in-lab, overnight sleep study in which the 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 healthcare providers usually order this test for patients with symptoms of sleep disorders that include (but are not limited to) snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and restless legs.

What to Bring

• Your medical provider order (Your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
• Personal ID / Insurance card(s)
• Medication(s) to take at bedtime if prescribed and instructed by your medical provider.
• A completely filled-out Sleep Questionnaire from our sleep disorders center (if provided).

How to Prepare

• Please bring comfortable clothing to wear while sleeping. A T-shirt and pajama bottoms are acceptable.
• Please shampoo and dry your hair before your arrival. Please ensure that your hair is free of any oil, excessive sprays or other hair products. Men should be clean-shaven when they arrive for the appointment, unless they wear a beard.
• If possible, avoid taking any naps during the day of your sleep study.
• Do not use any caffeine-containing products (e.g., coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate) after 12 noon on the day of your sleep study. (Decaffeinated products do contain small amounts of caffeine, so please avoid them, too.)
• Please inform the sleep center staff if you wear a hair weave or hairpiece. Please do not wear a quick weave sewn-in hair net or a glued-on hairpiece at your sleep study appointment.
• 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 medications without talking to your medical provider. Please bring a list of all medicines (and dosages) that you are currently taking. Bring all medications that 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 your appointment time with the sleep 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 sleep study rooms are soundproofed, hotel-style bedrooms with an adjustable, queen-sized bed, a recliner and a private, full bathroom.
• Our technologist will go over the sleep center’s forms, including the sleep screening form, with you. The technologist will explain the procedure that your medical provider 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 at the sleep center 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 medical provider who is specially trained in reading and interpreting sleep studies) will interpret the data and send the results or information to your medical provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Sleep Disorders Center at (985) 230-6083.

If you are a provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6113.