Polysomnogram (PSG)
What's a PSG?
The PSG is a sleep study that helps determine whether or not you have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or unusual behaviors during sleep. The study records your sleep patterns, such as brain waves, heart rate and breathing, eye and leg movements, and the oxygen level in your blood. A PSG can be done at night or during the day.
When you arrive for your sleep study, a Registered Polysomnographic Technologist or Respiratory Therapist will be at the site to greet you and show you to your room. After you make yourself comfortable, your technologist will take a brief history, explain the study process, and answer any questions you may have prior to applying the sensors. This process is completely painless and generally takes about 40 minutes to make sure everything is placed correctly.
What to Expect?
First, the technologist will use stickers to affix leads on your legs and chest. You will also have two belts placed around your chest and abdomen that monitor your body’s efforts to breathe.
Next, your head will be marked and measured with a paper ruler and a grease pencil. This is done because each electrode on your head needs to be in a precise location. Once this is complete, a skin prep jelly will be applied to clean the scalp for the electrodes.
Electrodes are then placed on the surface of your scalp with a small amount of paste. The prep, paste, and tape are hypoallergenic.
You’ll also have a nasal cannula (similar to an oxygen cannula) to monitor your breathing. You will not receive oxygen during your PSG.
Once you’re fitted with the sensors, you can relax in your room, catch up on phone calls, enjoy Smart/Cable/Vios TV, Wi-Fi, or read until “Lights Out” at 11pm. Yes, you may eat, drink, and use the bathroom throughout the night! We want you to feel comfortable and relax as you would at home prior to going to sleep. You may bring your own food/snacks. Should you need to get up at all during the night, simply let your technologist know.
Your technologist will monitor your sleep throughout the study and will be available to answer questions and ensure you’re comfortable.
When the study is done in the morning, the technologist will waken you and remove the wires and sensors. Any remaining paste or marks can be easily washed out using warm water and shampoo.
At your follow-up appointment, you will receive your sleep study results and discuss them with your provider.
Preparing for Your Sleep Test
Set Time Aside
This is an overnight test. Plan to be at our sleep center overnight until approximately 6 a.m. the next morning.
Wash and Dry Your Hair
Wash and dry your hair thoroughly but do not use conditioners or other hair products.
Hair Accessories
Remove any hair weaves or extensions. We cannot do testing if you have either of these.
Acrylic or Applied Nails
If you have acrylic, dip or applied (“fake”) nails an index fingernail needs to be removed for the oxygen reading. If you have gel nail polish, the polish from one of the index fingers will need to be removed. Regular nail polish is fine. The oximeter does not read through acrylic or applied nails, nor gel polish.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing. You must wear pajamas or two-piece clothing for the test.
Medications
Bring – and take – all of your normally scheduled medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor or the staff at Sleep Insights.
Special Requirements and Guests
Guests are not allowed to stay overnight with patients other than for specific medical reasons (e.g. parent with a child, caregiver for patient with special needs). Arrangements for caretakers must be made with advanced notice and with prior permission from their provider. Anyone accompanying a patient to their sleep test who isn’t an approved caretaker must leave at 9pm.
Smoking
Smoking, vaping and the use of alcohol are not permitted in the building or on the premises at any time.
Avoid Caffeine
Please avoid caffeine intake after dinner on the day of your study. We have caffeine free beverages available at the sleep center for you.
No-Show
Cancellations must be made by at least 12 noon the day before your study, or if your study is on a Saturday or Sunday, by noon on the Friday before.
Failure to show up for your scheduled sleep study will result in a $100.00 no-show charge.