What is a sleep clinic?
A sleep clinic is a specialized lab environment designed for what is known as a sleep study. Sleep Disorder studies are conducted uner the supervision of a sleep medicine doctor, at clinics which include individual bedrooms for each person undergoing a diagnostic sleep study. Sleep disorder centers gnereally have a centralized area where sleep doctors and technicians monitor the equipment and machines that collect diagnostic data from each patient

What is a sleep study?
During a sleep study, people with sleep problems are asked to spend the night (or multiple nights) at a sleep clinic so that technicians can collect data about behavior, brain functions, breathing, etc. during active sleep.

How to prepare for a sleep study
Many clinics require people to prepare a sleep diary, or a record of sleep behavior, duration, and quality, for 1-2 weeks prior to their sleep clinic visit. Many clinics will also ask for responses to sleep questionnaires (which may involve questions for a bed partner, if applicable).





In the days immediately preceding a sleep study, stick to a normal sleep routine and avoid taking naps. Some people are required to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with sleep. Avoiding alcohol and caffeinated foods or beverages prior to the test is also recommended.

On the day of a sleep study, avoid using hairspray or other hairstyling products. In addition, do not use makeup or fingernail polish, as test equipment will be placed on the scalp, face and fingers. Pack a small bag that includes overnight items (pajamas, toothbrush, hairbrush, book/magazines, etc.). Some people also like to bring a pillow from home.

What happens during a sleep study?
First, the sleep technician will set up the polysomnogram (PSG) equipment. Two blue belts are placed around the patient’s chest and abdomen. A spongy clip (oximeter) is also placed on one fingertip. Electrodes, which record muscle and brain activity, are temporarily "glued" to the scalp and the skin near the eyes, nose, mouth, chin, cheeks, lower jaw, neck, chest, and lower leg.

The sleep doctor will be analyzing data from several different machines. An electromyogram (EMG) records face twitches, teeth grinding, and leg movements. The EOG (electro-oculogram) monitors eye movements. Heart rate and rhythm is assessed by an EKG (electrocardiogram). A nasal airflow sensor and the chest/abdomen belts record breathing, airflow, choking, and any cessation of breathing. The oximeter records blood oxygen saturation, while a video camera captures body positioning and movements throughout the night.

After people are hooked up to the monitoring equipment, they follow a typical bedtime routine, either watching TV or reading before going to sleep at their usual time. Surprisingly, despite being attached to electrodes, most people do not have problems falling asleep in sleep clinics.



Sleep disorders are a group of illnesses characterized by problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, and/or sleeping too much. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that chronic sleep disorders affect approximately 40 million people in the U.S. Another 20 million Americans struggle with occasional sleep problems.