Question: Should I feed my child dinner before the study?

Make sure to eat dinner before arriving to the Sleep Center. There will not be time to eat once you are there because the sleep technicians will need all of the scheduled time to prepare your child for the study.

Question: Should I bring snacks for my child?

Plan on bringing any special snacks your child may need before bedtime and/or breakfast in the morning – remembering that no caffeine products such as coffee, tea, cola drinks or chocolate are allowed.

Question: What about medications?

Please give your child his/her medications as usual and bring them to the center, if necessary. Our staff will not be able to dispense any medication to your child. We also recommend that you discuss with your pediatrician whether the medications will affect the sleep study results.

It is extremely important that you bring any medications your child doesn’t take on a regular basis, but may need in an urgent situation, for example an inhaler, anti-seizure medicine or an EpiPen.

Question: Is there anything I should not give my child?

It is very important that you avoid giving your child any caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, chocolates, etc.) on the day of the study.

Question: What time should we arrive?

You and your child should arrive as close as possible to your scheduled appointment time. Lab staff is scheduled to arrive 30 minutes prior to the first appointment. If you arrive earlier than your scheduled time, the lab may not be staffed.

Question: What should I do to get ready the day of the study?

·   Do not apply any hair spray, gels or oil to your child’s hair – it will need to be clean and dry.

·   Do not apply lotions or creams to your child’s skin.

·   Please remove braids, hair weaves, and hair accessories (clips, rubber bands, etc.).

·   Pack an overnight bag for yourself and your child.

·   Arrive at the Sleep Center at your scheduled appointment time.

·   Parents/caregivers should wear comfortable clothing.

Question: What if I am running late?

Question: What happens when we arrive at the Sleep Center?

The study usually begins between 7:30 and 8:30 PM in the evening and ends about 6:00 AM. When you arrive, you will be introduced to your sleep technician and shown to your sleep suite.

Question: How will my child get ready for the study?

After your child changes into sleepwear, the sleep technologist will place a number of non-painful sensors (also called electrodes) on his/her head, chest area and legs. The areas where the sensors will be attached are cleaned and the electrodes are attached with special gels and paste. (The gels and paste are harmless; however, if your child has sensitive skin, please alert the sleep technologist prior to attaching the electrodes.) Elastic belts with sensors will be placed around your child’s chest and abdomen. Airflow sensors will be placed under his/her nose and a finger clip will be applied to monitor oxygen levels. All of the sensors will be connected to a small portable box that transmits signals to the sleep monitoring and recording equipment that is in a nearby control room.

Question: Will my child be able to sleep with so many things attached?

Your child may find it a bit strange at first, but most children do not find it uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. We will make every effort to ensure that your child is as comfortable as possible. If a problem arises, your child’s sleep technologist will make adjustments.

Question: What do we do while waiting for my child to fall asleep or during any free time?

Please plan to spend the majority of your time with your child in his/her room. Bring reading materials, homework or other quiet activities to occupy your child. We also recommend bringing something to occupy your child during set-up.

Question: What happens while we are sleeping?

The lab is a busy place and there will be other patients being monitored during the same evening. The sleep technologists remain awake in the control room throughout the night analyzing the information being collected while your child sleeps. Every bedroom has an open intercom that will enable you to communicate with the technologist at any time.

Question: What if my child needs to go to the bathroom at night?

If your child needs to use the bathroom during the night, you can call your sleep technologist on the intercom for assistance. They will temporarily disconnect him/her from the sleep monitoring equipment.

Question: Will my child be treated for a sleep disorder during the study?

For certain children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the sleep study may include the beginning of a treatment called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). After your child is asleep for a period of time, the sleep technologist will be able to determine if there is evidence of OSA. If there is, CPAP treatment may be started during the night. During the orientation, this will be thoroughly reviewed, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions.

Question: When is the study over?

The sleep study is completed between 6:00 and 6:30 AM in the morning. It will take us approximately 30 minutes to remove the electrodes. If your child has long or thick hair, it may take longer.

You and your child will be ready to leave by 7:00 AM.

Question: What happens after the sleep study?

A large amount of information is collected during your child’s sleep study. A sleep specialist will analyze this information and a report with recommendations will be sent to your doctor. On the night of the study, the sleep technologists cannot provide you with any information about your child’s testing results.

Question: When will my child’s doctor receive the results?

It usually takes two weeks for your doctor to receive the report. Please schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor after that time to discuss the findings and recommendations for treatment. If you have seen one of our specialists, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.