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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are They Looking For When I Have a Sleep Study?

We look for aspects of your sleep which explain why you might have:

• Daytime sleepiness;
• Breath-holding episodes and snoring;
• Unrefreshing sleep;
• Abnormal movements of the legs and arms and;
• Abnormal behaviours at night which might be harmful.

How Do You Expect Me To Sleep With All Those Wires On?

Typically patients do sleep despite the wires. The rooms are comfortable and relatively quiet with only one patient per room. You might bring a pillow or blanket that you find comfortable. If you wish you may read in bed prior to the study or spend time in the TV room to try and maintain your regular routine. Generally patients are in bed anywhere from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Despite having all these 'wires' you are allowed to roll over and change position. The 'wires' are quite resilient to movements. If anything is uncomfortable, the technologists can usually fix it. None of the wires inflict pain. Bathroom breaks are permitted and not an inconvenience to the technologist. We would rather you went to the washroom than suffer.

It is recognized however that you may not sleep in the laboratory exactly as you would at home. Generally however this does not cause a problem in obtaining a good diagnosis from your sleep study.

Can I Use My Regular Medications?

Normally you should use all medications as you would at home right up to the time of your sleep study. You should bring all medications you might need with you to the sleep laboratory, especially any sleeping' pills you normally use to help you sleep. If we have been informed by your sleep specialist that you are on any medication which might interfere with the interpretation of your study we will inform you ahead of time about discontinuing it temporarily.

What Else May Happen?

We may ask you to have some other laboratory tests, for example, blood or urine tests. If the technologists notice some breathing irregularities which may be disturbing your sleep, they may ask that you try wearing a special mask used to maintain the airway for more regular breathing. Your sleep may be video taped. Let the technologist know if you have any difficulty in this regard.

Can My Family Doctor Get A Copy Of The Results?

Typically (but not always) the results of your sleep study will be explained to you the following morning after your sleep study. Your family doctor and your sleep specialist will usually receive a formal report in about a week after your study.

If you have a question or comment please call (306) 655-8555