How to Prepare for Your Sleep Study

Do you snore when you sleep? Perhaps your significant other tells you that your snoring sounds like thunder. Maybe it’s hard for them to get a good night’s sleep in the same room.

At the same time, you may not be getting enough sleep if you snore and have sleep apnea. Not all people who snore have sleep apnea, but if you wake up feeling tired, have fallen asleep in meetings at work, or feel drowsy when you drive, it’s time to get help. 

Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Nilesh Patel treats patients who snore. Your snoring may be due to a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or a throat obstruction, all of which Dr. Patel can treat. On the other hand, you may have sleep apnea, and Dr. Patel refers you for a sleep study to determine if that’s the problem preventing you from getting enough sleep. 

What is a sleep study? 

A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram, measures your body’s activities while you sleep. Are you getting enough oxygen into your lungs? Is your heart rate normal, elevated, or erratic? What do your brain waves show? 

You’ll go to a reserved, secure site and sleep in a private room with sensors attached to your body to measure various functions. A camera and microphone record all of your movements and any noises you make, including your snoring. The sleep study gives your medical team important information about your sleep quantity and quality. 

How to prepare for a sleep study 

You likely have many questions about a sleep study. Your sleep study specialist gives you written and oral instructions to follow before the study begins. 

Avoid caffeine and alcohol 

Caffeine and alcohol are two substances that affect sleep. You should abstain from both the day of your sleep study. 

Naps

Don’t take a nap the day of your sleep study. If you get drowsy at a certain point during the day, make an effort to get up and walk around, play music, or find another distraction. 

Pack for the night 

Pack a bag with your pajamas and clothes for the next day. You can bring your own pillow. Take your toothbrush and toothpaste and any toiletries you need. Bring reading material. 

Medications and supplements 

Tell the sleep specialist about all of the medications, supplements, and herbs that you take. They can alter the results of the study, and the doctor may ask you to refrain from taking certain substances the day of or a few days before the study. Don’t take any type of sedative or sleep aid. 

Hygiene 

Take a shower and wash your hair with shampoo, but avoid the conditioner, hair spray, gel, or oils. All of them can interfere with the sleep sensors on your body. 

If you have sleep apnea…

If the study shows that you have sleep apnea, you’ll work with a neurologist or a pulmonologist who coordinates and communicates with Dr. Patel and your primary care physician. 

Once your treatment begins, you’ll notice a boost in your energy levels and be able to stay awake during the day. Sleep quality and quantity is critical for your general health. 

For expert treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders and assessment of need for a sleep study, call the office of Nilesh Patel, MD or request an appointment through our online portal.