Article · 2 min read
Preparing for Your Sleep Study
Getting ready for your first sleep study? Tips on what to bring, what to avoid, and how to prepare for the best results.
General information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.
SLEEP TESTING · PREPARATION
Sleep study prep at a glance
- Keep your day as normal as you can.
- No caffeine after noon and no alcohol that day.
- Don't nap on the day of your study.
- Skip hair products and heavy lotions; they block sensors.
- Bring comfy sleepwear and anything that helps you sleep.
Getting ready the right way helps your sleep study give the most accurate results. Keep your day normal, skip caffeine, alcohol and hair products, and bring things that help you sleep. Your technologist (the staff member who runs the test) will handle everything else.
What should you do on the day of the study?
- Keep your routine — Follow your normal daily routine as much as you can.
- Wash up — Shower and wash your hair. Use no products after washing.
- Medicines — Take your regular medicines unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Pack a bag — Pack comfortable sleepwear, toiletries and something to read.
- Your pillow — Bring your own pillow if it helps you sleep.
What should you avoid?
- Caffeine — No caffeine after noon on the day of your study.
- Alcohol — No alcohol on the day of your study.
- Hair and skin products — No hair gels, sprays or heavy lotions. They get in the way of the sensors.
- Naps — Don't nap the day of your study.
- Nail polish — No nail polish on your index finger. That is where the pulse oximeter (a clip that checks your oxygen) goes.
What should you bring?
- Cards — Insurance card and photo ID
- Medicines — A list of your medicines
- Sleepwear — Comfortable sleepwear
- For the morning — Morning toiletries and clothes for the next day
- Bedtime items — Any items from your bedtime routine
SLEEP TESTING · PREPARATION
Do this, avoid that
| Do | Avoid | |
|---|---|---|
| Your day | Follow your normal routine | Napping on study day |
| Drinks | Skip caffeine after noon | Caffeine after noon; alcohol that day |
| Hair and skin | Shower and wash your hair | Gels, sprays or heavy lotions after washing |
| Nails | Bare index finger | Nail polish on your index finger (finger sensor) |
| Medicines | Take them unless your doctor says otherwise | Stopping without your doctor's advice |
SLEEP TESTING · PREPARATION
What to bring
- 1
ID and insurance card
Bring your photo ID and insurance card.
- 2
Medicine list
Bring a list of the medicines you take.
- 3
Sleepwear and pillow
Pack comfy sleepwear, and your own pillow if it helps.
- 4
Morning items
Bring toiletries and clothes for the next day.
- 5
Bedtime routine items
Bring anything from your normal bedtime routine.
Common questions
What should I avoid before a sleep study?
Trusted medical sources
This page follows guidance and research from leading medical organizations.
Further reading
- NHLBISleep Studies
- AASMWhat to Expect at a Sleep Center
- Mayo ClinicPolysomnography
- NIHSleep Disorders
- AASMSleep Education
- CDCSleep Health
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