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Sleep Tests

What Happens During a Sleep Test?

Our laboratory has private bedrooms for each person being tested. We provide a single bed with all linen. The rooms are quiet, darkened and air conditioned. We have a washroom as well as a shower in each room.

When the patient arrives they are shown where they will sleep and asked to change into their sleepwear. Then they proceed to a "set up" room where we connect physiological sensors. These are all non-painful and comfortable enough so that it will be possible to sleep.

We use scalp electrodes, facial electrodes, chest electrodes, leg electrodes and a nasal airflow sensor. As the polysomnography technologist applies the electrodes, he or she is happy to answer any questions the patient may have. When the connections are complete the patient returns to their room at which time we check to see that all the sensors are working properly by having the patient perform some movements such as blinking, moving of legs, taking a deep breath etc.

Patients are permitted to sleep as they would at home, e.g., roll over, personal pillows, bathroom breaks etc.

A technologist is always present and able to provide assistance at any time. The overnight test lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. On occasion, the technologist may enter the room to make some technical adjustments but we try to interfere with sleep as little as possible. We like patients to enjoy uninterrupted sleep.

Following the overnight sleep session, the study is interpreted by a sleep specialist and the results are discussed with the patient. Should a special machine (Continuous Postive Airway Pressure) such as that used to treat obstructive sleep apnea be required, one will be issued on the morning following the overnight sleep study.

Approximately 15% of patients attending for the first time are required to remain the following day for additional testing. First time patients and other with special instructions should be prepared to make themselves available for most of the following day. (Usually until 5:00 p.m.). They should not schedule other appointments (except in-patient hospital appointments) for the day following their overnight sleep study.

CPAP Therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

When the overnight study determines a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, the sleep specialist may prescribe therapy called CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This is a mask attached to an air pressure device which maintains the airway during sleep.

This device is usually dispensed under the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living (SAIL) program to the patient the morning after the overnight sleep study.

For more information on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, please contact:

Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living’s Respiratory Benefits Program
Room G803, Royal University Hospital
(306) 655-2505