Sleep Studies: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

You likely will be asked to keep a sleep diary for 1 to 2 weeks before your sleep study. Try to follow your normal sleep routine during this time so you will not be too tired or too rested for your sleep test. Do not take any naps for 2 to 3 days before your test. See an example of a sleep diary (What is a PDF document?) .

Tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking. You may be asked to stop taking certain drugs, such as sedatives, before your sleep study.

Do not drink or eat any foods with caffeine (coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolate) for 2 to 3 days before your test.

Take a shower or bath before your test, but do not use sprays, oils, or gels on your hair. Do not wear makeup, fingernail polish, or fake nails, because some of the test equipment will be placed on your face and fingers.

Pack a small overnight bag with personal items, such as a toothbrush, comb, favorite pillows or blankets, or a book, to take to the sleep lab. You do not need to wear a hospital gown. You can wear your normal nightclothes.

The sleep lab may send you forms to fill out before the test. These forms will ask about your sleep habits and patterns. The forms may also include questions for the person who sleeps with you; he or she may be aware of sleep habits you do not know you have.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

Last updated:	July 13, 2007
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Jan Ulfberg, MD, PhD - Sleep Disorders
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC