Sleep Studies

Sleep Disorders Laboratory

A Sleep Study, or Overnight Olysomnogram is a very thorough look at your sleep patterns. We monitor your brain waves (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle movements (EMG) and heart (ECG) via electrodes attached to your body. We also monitor breathing and oxygen levels using various devices. In this way, we are able to determine sleep stages, cardiac rhythm, leg kicking and breathing problems, as well as body position, snoring and the percentage of oxygen in your blood.

Your physician would order an overnight sleep test as a result of:

• Loud snoring
• Awakening choking or gasping
• Stopping breathing at night
• Tiredness throughout the day or upon awakening
• Restless legs, particularly at night
• Fibromyalgia
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Long-term difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep

However, a sleep study is not indicated for temporary periods of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep attacks, falling asleep inappropriately, sleep-walking/talking or abnormal sleep behaviour reported by others.

What you should know

Take medications as normal, unless instructed not to by your physician.

Maintain as close to a regular routine as possible and avoid napping on the day of your test. Bring your night clothes, slippers and your favourite pillow is necessary (pillows are also provided at the lab).

Arrive at your scheduled time with your health card and blue hospital card, if you have one. Bring reading material, etc. (magazines are also available at the lab).

Please turn your cell phone off prior to entering the hospital.

Although you will arrive at the lab between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the sleep study itself will not begin until approximately 11:00 p.m. It will last until approximately 6:00 a.m. After we remove the wires and you answer two short questionnaires, you are free to go. Most patients are ready to leave between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Our technologist will show you to your room, where you will be asked to change into your night clothes and fill in one or two questionnaires. The technologist will then explain the procedure and answer any questions. We will attach you to various types of equipment and then you will be able to relax until bedtime. When you are ready for bed, the technologist will connect the equipment to the monitoring devices. At this point, the equipment will be calibrated and the lights turned out.

The technologist has visual and audio connections to each room. Therefore, we can see and hear you once the test has begun. Simply call out and the technologist will provide you with anything that you need, such as extra pillows or blankets. Should you need to get up throughout the study, simply call the technologist for assistance. When the test is complete, our technologist will call your name to awaken you, and will then remove the equipment. You will be free to go when you have filled in the required questionnaires. If you need to be awakened before 6:00 a.m., please advise the technologist.

There are no side effects for this test.

FAQs

Do I have to go to bed right away?

No, lab policy is to have lights out by 11:00 p.m. Once the wires are attached, you may read, etc. until you are ready for bed.

Can I get up to go to the bathroom?

Yes, simply call out to the technologist who will disconnect you from the monitoring devices.

Is the technologist here all night?

Yes, the technologist monitors you throughout the entire test.

Can I get an electric shock?

The electrodes attached to your body do not provide any electrical currents. They measure the electrical changes within your body. You are protected from external currents via the ground wire. All equipment used within the Sleep Lab adheres to the strict Canadian Electrical Standards.

Can you tell me what I am dreaming

No, sleep medicine can only determine what stage of sleep you are in, not what your brain is thinking at the time.

Do people actually sleep with all this stuff on?

Yes, most people referred to a sleep lab are tired. Sleep onset may be delayed, but most people have no problem sleeping.

What if I don't sleep?

In this case, both your family doctor and the sleep specialist will determine if and when a repeat study will be performed. However, this rarely happens.

Do I have to sleep on my back?

No, once the lights are out you are free to get into a comfortable position. The technologist may ask you to turn on to your back later in the night. However, if for any reason you cannot sleep on your back, simply inform the technologist.

Contact us

Markham Site:  (905) 472-7020

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