Sleep Study (Polysomnography)

A sleep study, also called a polysomnography test, is an overnight test that helps us learn more about how a person sleeps. It is a safe and painless procedure.

During the study, sleep medicine specialists monitor and examine:

• Airflow through the nose and mouth
• Breathing patterns
• Heart rate
• Oxygen levels
• Brain waves
• Eye movement
• Limb and body movements

The information collected during sleep helps the care team understand what may be affecting sleep and identify the best next step for treatment. Good sleep is important for health, learning, attention, growth, and daily energy.

A sleep study may be recommended for people who have:

• Snoring or breathing problems during sleep
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Central sleep apnea
• Excessive sleepiness (hypersomnolence)
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
• Unusual movements during sleep
• Possible seizure activity during sleep
• Sleeping at inappropriate times (circadian rhythm disorder)
• Night terrors
• Unnatural behaviors during sleep (parasomnias), such as walking or talking
• Restless leg syndrome
• Certain neurologic, neuromuscular, craniofacial, or other complex medical conditions

Sleep specialists can help determine whether sleep concerns are related to a sleep disorder, seizures, or another medical condition. Often, sleep problems can complicate health issues.

A parent, guardian, or caregiver must stay during the overnight study. Caregivers are responsible for providing routine care, including medications, feedings, and other support that may be needed during the night.

You can sleep in the same room as your child during some studies if it won’t interfere with the test, or you can stay in a nearby room.

Watch this video with your child to learn what to expect during a sleep study, or scan the QR code below to view the video.

A week before the sleep study appointment, we’ll call to confirm the sleep study and answer questions. We might ask you to fill out a sleep health log before an overnight sleep study. Let us know if you have any sensory sensitivities or allergies to tapes so we can modify the process when needed.

Bring anything needed for an overnight stay away from home, including:

• Medicines in their original containers.
• Medicines in their original containers
• Nutritional supplies and formula
• Medical devices, including tubing for suctioning and/or the mask used with a CPAP/BPAP machine, however, you do not need to bring the machine itself
• Pajamas
• Slippers
• Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste)
• Hairbrush
• Favorite blanket, pillow and/or stuffed animal
• Favorite books or videos to enjoy before going to sleep

Do not use any lotions on the body on the day you come for the sleep study. Lotions can affect the ability of sensors to stick on the body.

Food options may be limited when families arrive. The cafeteria and café may be closed, so bringing food or snacks is recommended if they are needed overnight. Limited kitchenette access and vending machines are available.

Our goal is to help every patient feel comfortable and safe throughout the night. Sleep study rooms are designed to support children and teens with a wide range of medical needs. The Sleep Health Clinic features soundproof and lightproof rooms.

Rooms include hospital beds and may have specialized equipment such as lift systems, suction equipment, and oxygen equipment when needed. Sleep technologists have experience caring for patients with complex medical conditions.

Getting Ready

After settling into the room and changing into pajamas, a sleep technologist explains the process and answers questions.

The technologist will:

• Measure and mark areas on the head
• Clean the skin where sensors will be placed
• Place sensors on the scalp, face, body, and toe
• Place soft belts or straps around the body
• Place breathing sensors near the nose

The sensors do not hurt. They collect information about sleep, breathing, movement, and brain activity. The wires are bundled together to help keep them out of the way during sleep.

During the Study

Sleep technologists monitor your child overnight and report the results to our sleep medicine physicians. At least one sleep technologist monitors your child all night. 

In most cases, the sleep study ends at 6 a.m., and discharge takes place at 7 a.m.  

After a Sleep Study

When the sleep study is complete, a sleep specialist carefully reviews the results. You will be contacted to discuss what was learned and any recommended next steps. The results will also be shared with your healthcare provider.

At Gillette you have access to one of the nation’s only sleep medicine programs designed specifically for children who have disabilities and complex conditions. We are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

In addition to working with sleep medicine experts, your child’s comprehensive treatment plan might have you working with other specialists, such as neurologists and pulmonologists. If your child’s sleep issues continue into adulthood, your family can receive continued care through Gillette Adult Clinic.