How to Prepare for Your First Sleep Study
Aug 04, 2023
You may need a sleep study when you have trouble getting a good night of rest because of an underlying sleep problem.
Our sleep medicine expert Dr. Rajendra M. Rampersaud at NY Metro Sleep in the Bronx, New York, considers a sleep study a valuable tool for helping patients sleep better.
We understand the anxiety you may feel about a sleep study and want to provide some tips on preparing to make your study as comfortable and restful as possible so we can get the information we need.
You may feel overwhelmed when we tell you we want to do a sleep study. You already have enough trouble sleeping and can’t imagine what it’s like to try and rest in a sleep lab. We get it.
We encourage you to ask as many questions as possible so you know what to expect during your sleep study. We may do home sleep testing where you do the test in your bed.
Our state-of-the-art sleep study lab has private rooms, comfortable beds, and professional sleep lab technicians. We do everything in our power to make you feel at home during your sleep study so we get all the data we need to diagnose your sleep disorder.
We know sleeping is hard. We know you’re going to feel anxious before your sleep study. The best thing you can do to prepare for the medical evaluation is to follow your usual sleep routine in the days and weeks before your test.
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is good for any sleep problem. This routine helps your body know when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up, making it easier for you to fall asleep at the lab.
Most importantly, don’t nap on the day of your sleep study.
Caffeine and alcohol make it harder for you to get high-quality sleep. We request you avoid caffeinated drinks, foods, and alcohol at least 24 hours before your test. We recommend you avoid these stimulants whether you’re doing an at-home or lab sleep study.
Treat your lab sleep study like you’re staying at a hotel. Pack a bag with all the essentials:
You should shower before your sleep study and take your medications as you usually do unless we request otherwise.
We want you to feel excited about your sleep study because it will answer why it’s so hard to get a good night of sleep and wake up feeling rested.
Are you having trouble sleeping? Do you think you have sleep apnea? Call our office today or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation with our sleep expert to talk to you about a sleep study.