You will have questions.
Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about coming in for an overnight sleep study.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Types of Sleep Study:
What is a sleep study?
Sleep studies are performed in a private room by highly trained and qualified sleep technologists. They involve the analysis of your sleep patterns by recording the activity of your brain, eyes, heart, lungs and muscles while you are asleep. All of the monitoring is done by placing small sensors on the surface of your skin. While it may take you a few minutes to get used to the equipment, there is very minimal discomfort, if any, throughout the process.
Sleep studies are designed to investigate a wide variety of symptoms and sleep disorders. Your technologist will explain the procedure to you prior to applying the monitoring equipment. Please ask any questions you may have!
What is a diagnostic or PSG sleep study?
A polysomnography sleep study (PSG) is a diagnostic procedure done to investigate the underlying cause of your symptoms or sleep disorder.
This is normally the first study that is completed at the sleep lab and allows the sleep physician to better understand what is causing your symptoms. This study is usually performed overnight however we can conduct the study at any time of the day depending on your normal sleep-wake cycle or request from the referring physician.
What is a therapeutic of titration sleep study?
A therapeutic sleep study is a type of sleep study used to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapy while you sleep.
This study is normally performed after the diagnostic study if the sleep physician recommends a form of therapy called positive airway therapy (CPAP, BiLevel or ASV).
During this study, the technologist applies all the same monitors as during the PSG study as well as the positive airway therapy. While they are monitoring your sleep, they adjust the level of positive airway pressure to find the prescription that best suits your needs. This is called a titration study.
Following this study, the physician is able to prescribe the ideal pressure for your needs.
What is a re-titraion study and why would I need it?
A re-titraiton study is performed in the sleep lab and is used when patients have had a return in their symptoms following successful CPAP therapy for a period of time.
OHIP funds a re-titration study every two years. At our lab, you will only conduct a re-titration study if it is clinically required.
We recommend that you continue to assess the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy and if you have a return in your symptoms of have had any significant changes in your health, please contact our lab or your CPAP equipment provider.
It is not uncommon for your prescription to change over the years.
Some common reasons why someone would want a re-assessment study include:
- Changes in your weight (increase or decrease)
- Changes in your lifestyle (smoking, alcohol intake, stress levels)
- Changes in your medication which may impact your sleep
- Surgical procedures which may have an affect on your therapy
- A return in any of your symptoms (example: increased fatigue or daytime sleepiness, worsening snoring or apnea events, increased difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
If you would like to be re-assessed, please contact us and a member of our healthcare team can answer your questions or schedule an appointment for you to see the sleep physician.
What is a daytime sleep study?
We conduct two different types of daytime sleep studies: MSLT and MWT’s at our facilities.
These studies are requested by your physician to assist in the diagnosis of certain sleep disorder or determine the extent of your daytime sleepiness.
Typically these studies are completed following an overnight study. If you have been scheduled for an MSLT or MWT, you will be provided with special instruction at the time of booking.
Please contact our office if you have any questions.
back to topInformation about Your Sleep Study:
Do I need to take the day off following my sleep study?
Usually you do not need to take the day off following your sleep study. You will be woken up by the technologist at 5:45 am and the electrodes will be removed. You will be ready to depart the lab by 6:30am.
Please note, you will want to ensure adequate time to return home to shower before starting your day as you will have some paste in your hair from where the electrodes where. This paste is washable with warm water and soap.
If require an earlier wake-up time, please let your technologist know and most of the time we can accommodate your request.
What do I bring to my sleep study?
When you schedule your sleep study you will be given an information package outlining what is required. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Here are some common items to bring:
- Your health card
- A list of your medications and their dosages
- Comfortable two piece pajama’s (required)
- Any toiletries, slippers or pillows that you may require
- Reading material or other quiet activities that can help pass the time before bedtime
- If you are using a CPAP, bring your mask and CPAP hose
Can I bring a family member to stay with me?
When you are scheduling your sleep study, our staff will discuss with you if it is required for a family member or support person to attend your sleep study. Typically, we require a parent or guardian to stay with any child under the age of 16. If a patient cannot care for themselves, we request that a family member or care giver stay. In these situations, a cot is available.
Please note that because of the high volume of patients at our labs, we do not reserve beds or have extra room for overnight guests to stay with the patient unless it is medically required. If you have any questions, please ask at the time of booking your sleep study.
How do I prepare myself prior to my sleep study?
Please arrive at your sleep study with your hair clean and dry and your skin free of any make-up or moisturizer. This will allow the technologist to properly apply all the equipment.
We suggest that you limit you caffeine and alcohol consumption the day of your sleep study. Avoid napping the day of your study.
If you have any questions before your sleep study, please review your information packages sent to you by email or mail or call our office. 
Should I take my normal medication prior to my sleep study?
In most situations, yes. Please contact your physician if you have any questions about what medication you should or should not take prior to your study. Please remember to bring any medications with you that you need to take before bedtime as well as a current list of medications and dosages.
Can I use the bathroom during the night?
Yes. A technologist assigned to your care is available for the duration of your sleep study. If you require any assistance or need to use the bathroom, the technologist will be available immediately. They will give you instructions when you arrive for your sleep study.
Do I have to sleep on my back?
The wires are long enough for you to move freely in bed throughout the night. The technologist may request that you attempt to sleep on your back for a period of time if requested by the physicians. Some people’s sleep disorders are worse while they are on their backs so it may be important to study your sleep in all positions.
What if I can’t sleep?
Great effort is made to make the environment as comfortable and friendly as possible. The staff are trained to help make you feel comfortable and answer any questions that you have. Most people are able to fall asleep without problem and while we like to have a minimum of 6 hours of data, sometimes a few hours will do. Don’t worry if you don’t sleep at all. You and your doctor will decide the next steps together. Generally, the sleep lab will not give you medications to assist you to sleep.
Will you know what I am dreaming?
No. While the monitors can show us when you are in the stage of sleep where dreaming occurs, we will not be able to tell what you are dreaming.
After your Sleep Study:
What happens after my sleep study?
For more information regarding the process following your sleep study, please click here