Have you ever wondered what happens while you sleep? A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram (PSG), provides an overnight recording of your sleep patterns and behaviors to better understand your sleep health.

During a sleep study, sensors are gently attached to your skin to monitor various aspects of your sleep, including brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, body movements, heart rate, breathing and blood oxygen levels. Despite being connected to the recording equipment, you're free to move around as needed.

Our goal is to help improve your sleep. The treatment we recommend is tailored to the type of disorder you may have and your needs.

Treatment may include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Exercise
• Inspire® sleep apnea solution
• Lifestyle modification
• Medication
• Oral appliance therapy
• Relaxation training

When you come to the Providence Sleep Center for a sleep study, you can expect a comfortable and relaxing environment where our friendly staff will guide you through the process.

Here's what you can expect during your visit:

• Preparation: Before your sleep study, we'll provide you with instructions on how to prepare. This might include avoiding caffeine and certain medications before your appointment.
• Check-in: Please arrive on time. You’ll be greeted at the main entrance of Providence St. Luke’s and directed to our Sleep Center location. A trained sleep technologist will guide you through the setup process and ensure your comfort throughout the night. You'll have a chance to ask any questions before we get started. Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
• Sleep study: During the sleep study, you'll be comfortably settled in a private room. We'll monitor your sleep patterns and breathing throughout the night to help diagnose any sleep disorders. The sleep technologist will monitor the recording from an adjacent control room and address any concerns you may have.
• Results and recommendations: After your sleep study, our team will analyze the data and provide you with personalized recommendations to help improve your sleep. A detailed report will also be sent to your primary care physician for further discussion and follow-up. We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your overnight sleep study:

• Avoid caffeine and stimulants: Try to avoid caffeine and other stimulants in the hours leading up to your sleep study. This can help you relax and fall asleep more easily.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the night of your sleep study. You can also bring your pajamas with you and change in your room. This will help you feel more relaxed and make it easier for our technicians to attach the monitoring equipment.
• Bring your sleep essentials: Don't forget to bring any essentials you might need for the night, such as toiletries, pajamas, and any medications you take regularly.
• Relax and unwind: Sleeping away from your home can be challenging. Please try to relax and unwind before bedtime. Avoid screens and stimulating activities that could interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

Our team will work closely with you to help prepare your child for a sleep study. Here are some tips we will walk you through to help ease your child’s understanding and comfort:

• Explain simply: Take the time to explain to your child, in terms they can understand, what a sleep study entails. You might say something like, "We're going to a special place where doctors will help us understand how you sleep. It's like a sleepover, but with some special equipment to help us learn more about your sleep."
• Familiarize with equipment: Show your child pictures or videos of the sleep study equipment, such as sensors and wires, and explain how they work. Assure them that the sensors are gentle and won't cause any pain. You can say, "These stickers are like little friends that will help the doctors see how you sleep. They won't hurt, and we'll be here to help put them on."
• Practice at home: Create a playful atmosphere at home where you pretend to do a sleep study. Use stickers or small pieces of tape to mimic the sensors used in the actual study. Encourage your child to lie still and quiet, just like they'll need to during the real sleep study. This can help them feel more comfortable and confident when it's time for the actual study.
• Bring comfort items: Allow your child to bring along their favorite comfort items, such as a stuffed animal, blanket or special toy, to the sleep study. These familiar items can provide a sense of security and comfort in an unfamiliar environment. Let them know they can have these items with them throughout the study to help them feel more relaxed and at ease.
• Stay positive and calm: Children often take cues from their parents' emotions, so it's important to maintain a positive and calm demeanor throughout the sleep study preparation and appointment. Offer plenty of encouragement and praise for your child's cooperation and bravery. Reassure them that you'll be nearby and that the sleep technologists are there to help. Answer any questions they may have honestly and openly but keep explanations simple and age appropriate. Your supportive presence and positive attitude will go a long way in helping your child feel more comfortable and confident.