Preparing for a Sleep Study

Local Sleep Test Information

Prior to your test:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption.
• Avoid or reduce napping on the day of the study.
• If possible, do not take non-prescribed medication the day of your study. (Please consult your physician if you have any questions.)
• Do not apply any product to your hair or skin the day of the test (hand lotion, conditioner, styling products, etc.).
• Do not wear nail polish or artificial nails.
• Do not wear braids, wigs, hairpieces or pins.
• You should take prescribed medicines (insulin, heart prescriptions, etc.) at your usual times throughout the day.

If you are participating in a sleep test at a Summa Sleep Medicine Center location, you should bring the following items with you:

• Loose-fitting sleep clothes and your own pillow (if desired).
• Current insurance card, ID such as driver’s license.
• Prescription medications that you take at night or first thing in the morning.

Following is the process of a sleep test at a Summa Sleep Medicine Center:

• You will be led to a private, home-like bedroom.
• A sleep technologist will explain the procedure and equipment, answering any questions you may have.
• You will complete any remaining paperwork and change into your sleep clothes.
• The technician will apply the electrodes and sensors to your body. These are used to monitor your movements and activities.
• You will go to sleep as you normally do at home.
• At the conclusion of your test, the sleep technologist will wake you (usually around 5:30 a.m.). At that time, you will be asked to complete a post-sleep questionnaire. The data from your test will be scored and interpreted and then sent to your primary care physician within five business days.

We encourage you to follow up with your primary care physician to discuss your results after each lab visit. From your test results, your physician will determine what treatment, if any, you will need. If you have a positive test result and have had a follow-up test to determine PAP settings, you will be referred to a durable medical equipment company to get your equipment. If behavioral changes are needed, you may be referred to a behavioral health specialist.

Referral/Registration

You must be referred by a doctor to participate in a sleep study. Consult with your primary care physician or a sleep specialist to determine if you are a candidate. To schedule a sleep study, you may call to schedule your test at any of several Summa Sleep Medicine Center locations.

Insurance Coverage

Eligibility requirements and coverage vary. Our staff will verify coverage with your insurance plan and that the prior authorization is in place from your referring physician's office. Please present a current insurance card when you arrive for your appointment. Charges not covered by insurance will be the responsibility of the patient.

What happens during a sleep study?