Preparing for your Test

Sleep Study Pre-Test Instructions:

Don’ts:

  1. DO NOT nap the day of the sleep study, if possible.
  2. DO NOT consume alcohol or caffeine on the day of the sleep study.
  3. DO NOT wear nail polish or acrylic nails to your study. All nail polish or acrylic nails are to be removed. If you cannot remove them yourself the technician may remove the nail polish and/or acrylic nail from one finger for accurate oxygen saturation readings.
  4. DO NOT use hair products on your hair the night before or the day of your sleep study. For example, hair spray, hair gels, creams, oils, etc.
  5. DO NOT wear makeup, creams, oils or lotion on your face or any part of your body the night before or day of your study.
  6. DO NOT bring nicotine products into the hospital. Nicotine use will not be permitted before or during the sleep study.

Do’s:

  1. Take all regular medications the day of the sleep study. Please bring all medications (including all over-the-counter medicines and sleep aids) to the sleep study. We do not have medication at the center, nor can we obtain them for you.
  2. Shower and shampoo your hair the day of your study. Also, please shave facial stubble (if possible) before study.
  3. You may bring comfortable bed clothes including tops, bottoms, bathrobe, slippers or socks, and a pillow if necessary. You may also bring any toiletries, i.e., tooth brush, tooth paste, soap, shampoo, etc.
  4. You may bring a light snack or decaffeinated beverage with you.
  5. If you have in the past used a CPAP mask or are currently using a mask at home you may bring the mask and headgear with you.

Please keep in mind:

  1. This is a medical procedure and we are an outpatient department.
  2. Both male and female technicians may monitor you.
  3. Patient rooms are assigned according to the type of study. A shared bathroom with shower is located between rooms.
  4. Technicians are not allowed to give out any information about your test results. Please ask your physician or a sleep center physician if you have any questions about the results of your study.
  5. We will make every effort to make your stay with us comfortable. Please feel free to call if you have any questions regarding your sleep study.
  6. Handicapped parking is available at the Outpatient Entrance.

Coming to the Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center

  • Please report to Outpatient Registration, which is located on the first floor of Atlantic General Hospital, near the rear of the main building. After being registered, a call will be placed to the technician who will meet and escort you to the sleep center on the second floor.

  • Plan to arrive on time for your appointment. If you feel you are going to be late for any reason, please call 410-641-1100, ext. 5118. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us; we appreciate a minimum of 24-48 hours notice.

  • The sleep study is a combination of several diagnostic tests all recorded simultaneously during sleep. Brain wave activity (or EEG) will be recorded by attaching electrodes with light adhesive to the scalp. Eye movement and chin muscle tone will be monitored in this manner. Depending on your physician's request, other monitoring devices may be appied to monitor breathing, airflow and oxygen level. The equipment does not prevent sleep or interfere with a meaningful night sleep study.

  • Once the study has started, you have the right to discontinue the test for any reason; however, please be awre that a shorter test may not be reliable or as useful for the interpreting physician. The full charge for the study will be submitted for your payment.

  • Sleep center patients cannot stay in the center and sleep without being properly monitored. Therefore, please make sure that you if decide to discontinue your test at any time you have made proper arrangements for getting home; you will not be allowed to drive if you are sleep deprived or have taken sleep aids prior to the sleep study.

  • You will be sent a letter to follow up with your primary healthcare provider. All results are confidential and will be shared only with you through our pulmonary physicians. Results of your test will be sent to your primary physician. If you have any questions, please call the Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center at 410-641-1100, ext. 5118.