Polysomnogram - Sleep Study

What is a Polysomnogram?

A polysomnogram is a recording of electrical activity of several sleep functions:

Poly = many
Somno = sleep
Gram = writing

Polysomnograms are used to diagnose sleep disorders such as:

• Sleep apnea - cessation of breathing
• Myoclonous - leg jerks
• Insomnia - inability to sleep
• Parasomnias - sleep walking, night terrors
• Narcolepsy - inability to stay awake

Preparing For A Polysomnogram

• Eat your normal meals.
• Take your normal medications unless specified by your physician.
• Bring your bedtime medications with you.
• Do not take any over the counter sleeping medication for three nights prior to your sleep study.
• Do not nap the day of the test.
• Shampoo your hair the day of the test. Do not use oils, conditioner or hair spray. A clean scalp is necessary to attach electrodes for the test.
• Bring pajamas with you the night of the test. If you prefer, we will supply a hospital gown.
• Bring any item that will help you relax while you are in the lab: a favorite pillow, bedtime snack, book, magazine, computer.
• Bring your own personal hygiene items such as toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Bring your questionnaire with you if you received this in the mail.
• Bring a current medication list

Arrival

Please be at your appointed Sleep Lab between the times of 8:00-8:30pm. Locations/addresses of Genesis Sleep Lab are listed on this site.

Procedure

You will be asked to prepare for bed. The technologist will ask you to fill out a questionnaire concerning your daily activities. The technician will then apply several small electrodes to your scalp and face that monitor your brain waves, eye movements and muscle activities. A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. Elastic bands will be placed around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing movements as well as a monitor on your face to measure airflow. Two small discs will be placed on each leg to record any leg jerks during sleep. Despite the monitoring devices, most patients find it easy to fall asleep.

When your test is completed, you are free to go home or to work. There are no side effects from this test. Results of your study will be sent to the ordering physician who will contact you with the results.

Fully accredited by the American Sleep Disorders Association. For more information, call 563-421-1523.