Once you have been evaluated at the Piedmont Sleep Disorders Center or referred for a sleep study by your doctor, you will be instructed to come to the sleep lab for an overnight study, termed polysomnography. During your study, your brain waves, eye movements, breathing patterns and air flow, heart rate and EKG, oxygen level, and muscle activity will be monitored throughout the night.
You should eat dinner prior to coming for the overnight study, bring with you pajamas, an overnight bag, toiletries, and a towel to shower in the morning if you would like. Our rooms are extremely comfortable with bedside lighting, televisions with DVD players, ceiling fans, and comfortable bedding. If you have a favorite pillow you would like to sleep with, by all means bring it along.
What do I do upon arrival to the Sleep Center for my study?
What wires are used and how are they held in place during the study?
About 20 small electrodes are placed on your scalp and skin with a bioelectric glue-like substance. Two bands are placed around your chest and stomach to monitor breathing effort and a nasal cannula will be placed in your nose to monitor airflow. These devices are all connected to a wire which is plugged into a box which is then plugged into a cable, which carries the signals to the control room, from where you are being monitored. These wires are bundled together and easily disconnected from the box in order for you to use the bathroom when needed.