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Sleep Studies - How To Prepare
About this test
- Test Overview
-
Health Tools
- Why It Is Done
- How To Prepare
- How It Is Done
- How It Feels
- Risks
- Results
- What Affects the Test
- What To Think About
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
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.
You may be asked to avoid food or drinks with caffeine for a day or two 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.
If the sleep study will be done in a sleep lab, pack a small overnight bag with personal items, such as a toothbrush, comb, favorite pillows or blankets, or a book, to take along. 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 mean. To help you understand the
importance of this test, fill out the
medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 9, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Mark A. Rasmus, MD - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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