What is a sleep study?
A sleep study (polysomnogram) measures the quality of sleep. This overnight test is valuable for diagnosing and treating many sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, neurological disorders, and movement disorders at night. Small electrodes (small, round metal discs) are applied onto the child's head and under the child's chin. Other sensors are placed in around the nose, chest, belly and legs. This allows us to measure brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone and breathing patterns during sleep.
There are no needles and no pain! All electrodes are placed using tape or a sticky paste. One parent or legal guardian must stay for the entire night during a sleep study. Sleep studies are performed nightly, Monday - Sunday.
What should my child bring to a sleep study?
- Any medications that your child takes at night or in the morning, including Diastat and Epipen, if your child has been prescribed
- Two-piece pajama set or a t-shirt and shorts
- Any stuffed animal, special blanket, or other item that your child may typically sleep with
- Favorite book or movie (with DVD player) to read/watch during the set up
- Bottle, sippy cup, or diapers if needed