How to Prepare for a Sleep Study

Sleep studies allow people with insomnia, sleep walking, sleep eating, difficulty arousing and other problems to find solutions. If you are going in for a sleep study, there are some things to keep in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Keep a sleep diary for a few weeks before your sleep study, if your doctor recommends it. This will help the researchers see where your problems may lie.
2. Avoid taking a nap (if possible) for a few days before the sleep study.
3. Admit to any sleeping aids you use, such as sedatives, alcohol or over the counter sleeping pills. You may be asked to discontinue these before and during the sleep study.
4. Stay away from caffeine for a few days or for at least a few hours before the sleep study, if possible.
5. Take a shower before going to the sleep study, but do not do your hair, put on make-up, wear lotion or paint your fingernails.
6. Plan to pack a small overnight bag with your toiletries, pajamas, medications and a change of clothes for the morning. Ask your doctor or the researchers at the sleep clinic whether you need to pack anything else such as snacks.