5 Tips to Prepare for Your Sleep Test

If you believe you have sleep apnea, your doctor is likely to arrange for you to undergo a “sleep study near me.” This non-invasive diagnostic procedure will require you to spend a night connected to some sophisticated machines, which will monitor the quality of your sleep. Whether you get an in-home or in-lab sleep test, you need to be well-prepared. Taking some simple steps ahead of time can make your experience easier and contribute to more accurate results. What exactly should you do? Here are some helpful tips:

Talk About Medications

Before your sleep test, you should have a conversation with your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs may affect your sleep patterns or interfere with the results of the test. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about everything you take, including supplements and herbal remedies. Your doctor may advise you to continue, stop, or adjust certain medications prior to your test.

Limit Alcohol and Caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can significantly impact your sleep quality and may also disrupt the results of the test. Alcohol can cause fragmented sleep and may worsen breathing problems during the night, while caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Aim to avoid caffeine after lunch and abstain from alcohol entirely on the day of your test for the best possible results.

Pack an Overnight Bag

If your sleep test is scheduled to take place in a sleep center or laboratory, prepare an overnight bag as if you were spending the night at a hotel. Bring comfortable pajamas, a change of clothes, and any personal toiletries you might need. If you have a favorite pillow or blanket that helps you sleep, consider bringing it along to make yourself more comfortable in the unfamiliar environment. Do not forget to include your identification, insurance information, and any paperwork provided by your doctor or the sleep center.

Skip Naps

It may be tempting to take a nap if you feel tired on the day of your sleep test, but it is best to resist the urge. Napping can make it harder for you to fall asleep during the test, especially if you are not used to sleeping in a different environment. Try to maintain your regular daily routine so that you are naturally tired and ready to sleep when it is time for the study to begin.

Prepare to Be Comfortable

Finally, take steps to ensure you will be as comfortable as possible during your sleep test. Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing and bring any items that help you relax, such as a book or soothing music. Be sure to arrive early so you have time to settle in and ask any last-minute questions. Remember, the goal of the test is to monitor your typical sleep patterns, so anything that helps you feel at ease will contribute to a more accurate assessment.

Preparing for a sleep test is not complicated! Be sure to follow any specific instructions from your care team so your experience can be as smooth as possible.

Meet the PracticeDrs. Yitta Garden and Kenneth Mogell are board-certified in dental sleep medicine. They focus on helping patients conquer obstructive sleep apnea via oral appliance therapy. They also work with a network of qualified doctors who provide sleep testing. If you believe you have sleep apnea, our team can advise you on your next steps. Contact our Boca Raton office at 561-353-5252.