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McLaren Bay Region > SERVICES > Sleep Center > Sleep Study Instructions

Sleep Study Instructions

The McLaren Bay Region Sleep Center staff looks forward to meeting and working with you!  We would like to briefly explain what to expect on the night of your sleep study.

Where

We are located inside the 1460 W. Center Rd, Suite 2, Essexville, MI.  We will be monitoring your sleep during the night in a specially designed room similar to a hotel room with a private bathroom and shower facilities.  If you have not pre-registered, when you arrive, go to admitting on the first floor BEFORE coming up to the Sleep Center.

When

Arrive at the time given.  Your test may end later than your usual wake up time.

Bring

Whatever you may need to prepare for bed and for work the following morning as well as all of your medications.  We would prefer two-piece nightwear.

As a matter of personal preference, you may want to bring your own pillow (you will sleep better).

Cancels

It is important you understand the Sleep Center operates on a very precise schedule.  We have limited bedrooms with a waiting list and a specially trained technologist has been scheduled to work with you.  We ask that if you find it necessary to change or cancel your test, you give us at least a 48-hour notice.  You may be charged if you do not come for your study and we have not been notified.  If you contract a significant head cold within 5 days of your study, please notify us immediately.

Questions

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the McLaren Bay Region Sleep Center staff at 989-895-4825.  You are welcome to visit the Center prior to your study,  Let us know if you have any special needs.

MSLT

If "MSLT" is scheduled you are scheduled for a daytime study.  You must plan to remain in the Center until all your studies are completed (your sleep time plus daytime testing).  Please bring a book, craft, or hobby to keep you busy and alert during the awake portion of your daytime study.  You may have a visitor, if you wish.  Plan to stay as long as 3:00-5:00 p.m. the following day of your study.

INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS SCHEDULED FOR SLEEP RECORDINGS

Our aim is to provide the best test and evaluation of your sleep time that is possible.  Your cooperation is necessary in following these guidelines.

  1. Bring what you would need if you were staying in a motel room, I.e., shampoo, clothes for work, etc.
  2. This is an outpatient procedure (test).  Therefore, nursing services and medications are NOT provided.  If you take regular medications, bring them with you in their prescription bottles and take them on the schedule you do at home unless otherwise instructed.
  3. We ask that you wear your normal, comfortable sleep attire (Males:  It helps if you wear a pajama top or t-shirt for sleep)  We would prefer two-piece nightwear.
  4. Avoid alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, or sedatives on the day of your study.  IF YOU USE EITHER OF THESE ROUTINELY, CHECK WITH THE CENTER FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
  5. Do not drink coffee or beverages with caffeine after 5 p.m. on the day of your study.  If you are scheduled for nap studies following your sleep study, caffeine beverages are not allowed.
  6. Try to maintain a USUAL daytime schedule (avoid UNUSUAL physical exercise or meals).
  7. DO NOT take naps on the day of your study.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Private bathrooms are available in each sleeping room, private showers are also provided.
  • Before bed, a specially trained technologist will apply several small, round, gold recording discs to your head with paste and one disc will be taped beside each eye.  Also, recording devices will be taped near your nose and mouth, chest, legs, and/or arms depending on the test ordered by the physician.  This is a painless process.
  • You will then be allowed to relax and prepare for sleep.  You will be in bed by 11 p.m. unless otherwise instructed.  The monitoring discs attached to you allow you to sleep in your normal, comfortable sleep positions and DO NOT greatly reduce your movement.  Patients can't be awakened until all required data is collected.  This may be later than your normal wake time.
  • An intercom is turned on each room so you can call the technologist anytime during the night.  If you need to use the bathroom, you can easily be "unhooked" to move freely.
  • You will be provided breakfast or a meal ticket to use in our cafeteria.  you may bring special foods.  No caffeine or alcohol.
  • If you are scheduled for daytime nap studies, lunch will be provided.  you may bring something of your choice to eat or drink (no caffeine).  A refrigerator/freezer is available.

A sleep study is a new experience for most of you.  Please talk with a member of our staff if you have ANY concerns.  We welcome your questions at (989) 895-4825 or you may stop by for a visit prior to your study.