An overnight sleep study helps your care team develop the best treatment plan for your sleep disorder. The study, called a polysomnogram, helps us see disruptions in your sleep patterns. The test uses sensors to monitor your:

• Brain waves
• Heart rate
• Leg movements
• Breathing

Before your study

Before arriving at our sleep lab:

• Wash your hair thoroughly.
• Eat a full meal.

What to bring

• Toiletries
• Any medications you take regularly
• Two-piece pajamas (towels and bedding are provided)

You may also want to bring:

• Snacks
• Reading material
• A movie
• Laptop or tablet

If you need a caregiver

Family and friends are discouraged from visiting, but let your doctor know if you need a caregiver to stay with you.

Getting to the sleep lab

Your test will be at one of our sleep labs:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Portland Downtown/Riverplace in the South Waterfront District

• OHSU Health Sleep Medicine Lab in Tanasbourne

Your doctor or scheduler will provide directions and parking information. You should arrive by 8 p.m.

Please call your lab if you’re running late:

• Between 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: 503-418-1850
• Marriott lab after 4:30 p.m.: 503-494-0154
• Tanasbourne lab after 4:30 p.m.: 503-418-1855

If we haven’t heard from you by 8:15 p.m., we will contact someone on our waiting list.

What to expect during a sleep study

After you arrive: You will change into your pajamas. A sleep technologist will apply electrodes and sensors to your body and attach them to a wire box, a process that takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will be able to walk and use the restroom without help.

Bedtime: The wire box will be attached to a computer to be monitored from an adjoining room. You’ll be fitted with a nasal tube and a small heart monitor to measure your breathing. You may wear a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) mask over your nose. If you use CPAP at home, you can bring your own mask.

Split-night study: You may be have a split-night study. You’ll get a “baseline study” followed by a CPAP “titration study” to figure out the correct airway pressure.

Sleeping: Even with the devices attached, most people are able to get a close-to-normal night’s sleep.

After your study

In the morning: Wakeup is typically around 6 a.m. Wires and other devices will be quickly removed, and you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire before you leave.

Results: Results are usually available within two weeks. They will be shared in your MyChart account or at your next office visit.

Learn more

• Polysomnography, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Sleep Studies, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• In-Lab Sleep Study, American Academy of Sleep Medicine