Sleep Study FAQs
If you already have a sleep study scheduled and are feeling ill or have a cough or cold, please call the Sleep Disorders Center at (260) 435-7403 to find out if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.
The Lutheran Sleep Disorders Center is located on the Lutheran Hospital campus, 7836 W. Jefferson Blvd, and is on the second floor. Parking at this building is open to all patients.
What should I expect?
Sleep studies take place in private, comfortable, suite-style rooms. Patients are encouraged to bring comfortable pajamas and slippers and will typically stay overnight, although both day and evening sleep studies are available. A typical sleep study lasts one night or one day, depending on the nature of the problem, the initial findings and the physician's orders. In some cases, a second study may be necessary.
What time should I arrive?
For your in-lab daytime study: between 6 and 6:30 a.m.
For your in-lab nighttime study: between 6 and 7 p.m.
If you arrive at the Sleep Disorders Center after 8 p.m., the front door of the building will be locked. Please call the Sleep Center on your cell phone or use the phone to the left of the doors in the building vestibule. Once you call, a sleep technician will come down and let you in.
What should I bring?
- Pajamas, pillow, toothbrush, robe, slippers
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream and razor
- Reading materials, cards and/or crafts (TV is available in each room)
- Medications must come in the original container (you will be personally responsible for administration of any medications). The Sleep Disorders Center does not have access to over-the-counter or prescription medications (i.e., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, blood sugar supplies, etc.).
What about testing for children?
Pediatric testing is available, and we try to make the experience as pleasant and unintimidating as possible.
- A parent or guardian must accompany the child and stay for the duration of the test
- Children may want to bring a stuffed animal, blanket or bedtime book
- Diapers, tube feeding supplies, bottles, etc. will need to be brought from home, as they are not available through the Sleep Disorders Center.
When will I be able to go home?
- Patients scheduled for a one-night study will usually be dismissed by 6 a.m.
- Patients scheduled for a daytime study will be dismissed between 3 - 4 p.m.
What should I do to prepare on the day of my study?
- Eat a good meal before arriving for your study.
- Shower before arriving to ensure hair and skin are clean and dry.
- Do not apply lotions, hair products or oils to the skin or hair and make sure all makeup is removed.
- Men should be clean shaven, however beards can be accommodated.
- Do not drink caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, soda) or alcoholic beverages after 4 p.m.
- Avoid chocolate.
- Do not nap.
- Do not start a new diet or exercise program.
What happens after I arrive?
Each patient has a private bedroom. Once the patient changes into pajamas, sleep technicians begin applying electrodes to the patient's face, head, chest and legs with a mild paste or tape. The electrodes record the electrical activity already present in the body - they do not generate any current. The process is painless and takes about one hour.
Small snacks and decaffeinated beverages are available for our patients. We ask that you not have any visitors.
What happens at bedtime?
A sleep technician will apply a few more pain-free and non-restricting recording devices. Patients are monitored by a technician in the adjacent room while they sleep. Patients can communicate with the technician at any time during the night.
During testing, sleep cycles are monitored by a technician located in a separate room. Brain and muscle activity, breathing patterns and heart rate are recorded. Each study takes about eight hours. Results are interpreted by the center's medical specialist and a treatment plan is developed in connection with the referring physician.
What happens during the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)?
Patients undergoing the MSLT are asked to take naps at specific times throughout the day. The time between naps can be spent reading, watching TV, etc. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
What about a home sleep test (HST)?
Home sleep testing can be an option for certain initial sleep disorder evaluations and may be required by insurance before additional testing or treatment in a sleep center.
Patients register at the Sleep Disorders Center and take home the necessary equipment following a brief educational session. Equipment is used overnight and returned the following day. The test works best when the patient has natural fingernails. If you have gel, acrylic or false nail build up you may be asked to remove it from at least one finger for the test to run properly.
If the initial study produces a positive result for sleep apnea, a return visit to the center may be necessary.
When will the results be available?
It typically takes about two weeks to fully score, analyze and interpret the findings. Results and treatment recommendations are shared with patients by their physician's office.
What about insurance coverage or payment concerns?
- Sleep studies are considered outpatient procedures.
- Your physician's office will obtain pre-certification/authorization from your insurance company before your test.
- If you have questions regarding your insurance coverage or potential non-covered portions that may be due, please contact the financial counselors at (260) 435-7149 prior to your test date.
For additional information or to schedule a sleep study, call Lutheran Hospital's Sleep Disorders Center at (260) 435-7403.