Pediatric Sleep Study FAQs

Before the Study	On the Day of the Study	During the Study
What is a sleep study? Can we visit the center before the study? What information will I get before the study? Will someone call to remind me of the appointment? Will we have a private bedroom? What should I pack in my child’s overnight bag? What if my child has special needs?	Should I feed my child dinner before the study? Should I bring snacks for my child? What about medications? Is there anything I should not give my child? What time should we arrive? What should I do to get ready the day of the study? What if I am running late? What happens when we arrive at the Sleep Center?	How will my child get ready for the study? Will my child be able to sleep with so many things attached? What do we do while waiting for my child to fall asleep or during any free time? What happens while we are sleeping? What if my child needs to go to the bathroom at night? Will my child be treated for a sleep disorder during the study? When is the study over?
After the Study
What happens after the sleep study? When will my child’s doctor receive the results?

Before the Study

What is a sleep study?

For most patients, a sleep study is a key diagnostic component of a sleep disorder evaluation. A sleep study, also called a polysomnogram (PSG), measures brain wave activity, eye movements, muscle contractions, heart activity, breathing and blood oxygenation during sleep.

The information we collect during your child’s study is reviewed and analyzed by our sleep specialists.

Can we visit the center before the study?

Yes, tours of the sleep testing laboratory are provided during the day. Please feel free to call us to schedule a daytime tour before your test. We will be happy to accommodate your visit. You are also welcome to take a tour during your scheduled appointment.

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What information will I get before the study?

Once you have scheduled the sleep study, you will receive a welcome package either in the mail or via email containing forms to be completed, along with directions and phone numbers to the facility. Be sure to bring the directions, phone number, completed forms and your child’s health insurance card on the night of your study.

Will someone call to remind me of the appointment?

You will be reminded 24-48 hours before your child’s scheduled appointment. Please let us know if there are any changes in your child’s health, if your child is ill or if your child has had any recent medical treatments that may require rescheduling the sleep study.

Will we have a private bedroom?

Yes, all of our bedrooms are private and each room is set up with with sleep accomodations for both you and your child.

What should I pack in my child’s overnight bag?

Two-piece pajamas set (a top and bottom without zippers) or shorts and a t-shirt. Please do not bring one-piece or footed pajamas.
Any medications your child usually takes at night or early in the morning.
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.
Bring any blanket, stuffed animal, pillow or other special item that your child usually sleeps with; or something that will help your child feel "at home" in the center.
Bottle or sippy cup, if your child uses one.
Diapers, training pants, pull-ups and wipes if your child is not fully potty-trained or has a history of bed-wetting.
Toothbrush and other personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo and towels are available).
Extra set of pajamas, in case of accident.
Clothing for the next day.
If you usually read to your child at bedtime, please bring a book with you. Favorite movie (select locations have TV and DVD players), book or activity to read during the setup process.
Any special food or drink. Meals are not provided at the center.

What if my child has special needs?

Call our scheduling office at 877-753-3742 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We will try to accommodate your child’s needs and answer any questions you may have about the sleep study procedure.

On the Day of the Study

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What if I am running late?

Please contact the sleep lab directly (please see "Directions and Arrival Instructions" for contact information) and let us know of your approximate time of arrival.

During the Study

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. Once you arrive at the center, a sleep technologist will welcome you and show you to your private bedroom. The technologist will ask you to fill out some forms and answer any questions you may have. As part of your orientation, you may be asked to watch a video that will explain the process.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After the Study

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.

When will my child’s doctor receive the results?

It usually takes up to 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.