Chesapeake Cardiac Care offers in-lab sleep studies to help diagnose sleep disorders. Our technologists will help answer any questions you have and make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Once the study is over, we work with you to create a sleep management plan.

What is an in-lab sleep study?

An in-lab sleep study is one of the sleep studies Chesapeake Cardiac Care offers. They allow us to evaluate your physiological signals while you sleep in order to correctly diagnose a sleep disorder. Having the study done in a lab or sleep center allows us to gather more information than an in-home sleep study. The more information we gather, the more complete the evaluation we can give you.

What does the in-lab sleep study monitor?

  • Brain waves
  • Heart rate
  • Leg and arm movements
  • Breathing
  • Oxygen levels

What should I do the day of my sleep study?

For information on preparing for the in-lab sleep study, please visit our Sleep Study Preparationpage.

What should I bring to the sleep lab?

You should bring comfortable pajamas, toothbrush, toothpaste, and anything else that is part of your nightly routine. You should also bring any medications your health care provider has approved for you to take the day of the study.

What happens when I go to the sleep center?

You will be asked questions about your sleep habits by the sleep technologist. You may be asked to complete a pre-sleep questionnaire. Then, you will get ready for bed. You will have a private room and you will have a bathroom to use. We will tape or glue sensors to you, which will monitor your body while you sleep. If you are sensitive or allergic to adhesives, please let us know prior to the study. Cameras in your room will allow the technologists to monitor you throughout the night in case help is needed. For example, if your equipment falls off in the middle of the night, they will be able to assist you.

What if I can’t sleep during the study?

We understand that it may be difficult for you to sleep in a new environment when you have sensors connected to you. Most people are able to sleep long enough for us to develop a diagnosis. In some cases, we may prescribe you with medication to help you sleep during the study.

What if I have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea during the study?

Your sleep technologist may start a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) titration study during the night if you are exhibiting moderate to severe levels of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The CPAP uses air pressure to hold the airway open and treat the OSA. If you need the CPAP, the technologist will put a mask on you that is attached to a CPAP machine. Different levels of pressure will be used in order to find the appropriate level to keep your airway open and treat the OSA.

What happens after my test?

When you wake up in the morning, the technologist will remove the sensors. The information collected during the study will be reviewed and evaluated by a sleep specialist after you leave the lab. Your health care provider will discuss the results with you after the information has been properly evaluated and a diagnosis is made, which may take several days to a week after the completion of the study. We will then develop a sleep management program for you.