Overnight Sleep Lab Instructions - Adults
The information found on this page is for Adults that are 18 years and older.
Preparing for the Study
- Have dinner prior to arriving at the sleep lab as we will begin your study setup immediately upon arrival.
- Bring and take your regular medication in the original bottle as prescribed by your physician unless otherwise directed.
- Wash your hair and do not use any conditioner or hair styling products. Remove toupees, weaves, braids and wigs (We need to be able to attach sensors directly to your scalp – we use a thick paste that will need to be washed out after the study).
- Men should shave facial hair stubble, but a beard or mustache is acceptable.
- Do not wear makeup, moisturizing cream, lotions or oil on your face or body.
- At least one finger nail must be free of nail polish, acrylic, gel and shellac.
- Maintain your usual daytime schedule, however refrain from taking naps and avoid any physical exercise that you normally don’t do.
- Refrain from consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as well as using cannabis, 6 hours prior to your study.
- Medications: Please bring and take your regular medication in the original bottle as prescribed by your doctor, unless directed otherwise.
- If you are diabetic, please bring your glucometer and insulin with you as we do not provide these items in the lab.
- Please inform your technologist before taking any medications in the laboratory.
- We do not distribute any medication in the sleep lab.
- Patient with special needs, who require a caregiver throughout the night, will need to bring one. The caregiver will be spending the night in the room with the patient. The sleep lab is not a hospital and no nurses are on staff. Please call the sleep lab if you have any questions.
- The sleep lab closes promptly at 6:00 am each morning, so it’s important that you make arrangements accordingly, if needing transportation.
- For more information about the study or to watch an EMMI video to help you better prepare, please visit our website at: www.kp.org/diablo/sleep
- For any questions regarding the following:
- Insurance coverage: Member Services 1-800-464-4000
- Deductible: Deductible Plan Service Center 1-800-390-3507,Weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, or visit kp.org/costestimates
- Medical Financial Assistance: Financial Assistance Central Unit 1-866-399-7696 Weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What to Bring
- Co-pay is due at registration. We take cash and all major credit cards.
- Sleeping attire and slippers (two-piece is recommended to allow for ease of placement of monitoring equipment).
- Toiletries e.g. toothpaste, toothbrush, hair brush, soap and shampoo (We provide towels).
- A book, magazines or tablet (there is no cable TV, but we do offer free Wi-Fi throughout the building).
- Do not bring your CPAP machine if you currently use one, but please do bring your mask and hose if coming for titration study.
During the Study
- Depending on what type of study performed, it may take up to 60-90 minutes to apply electrodes and sensors to head and body.
- The study will include audio and video taping, in order for the physician to better evaluate the study.
- Once the study begins, electronics will need to be turned off until the study concludes.
- You will be awakened around 5:00-5:30 am and can take a shower if needed and enjoy a hot drink as you exit the lab.
What to Expect after your Sleep Study
- The electrodes applied to your scalp/hair may leave behind residue. We recommend cleaning with warm water. Allow the water to run through a few minutes before shampooing – this will help soften the paste and make it easier to wash out.
- Some patients may experience skin irritation from the removal of the electrodes. If this occurs, keep the area clean and dry. Let your doctor know if it doesn’t go away after several days.
- A physician specialized in sleep medicine will review and interpret your study.
- You can anticipate receiving a phone call or secure email to review your results and go over next steps within 14 business days.
