Sleep Study

Sleep Study at Anna Jaques Hospital

To diagnose a sleep disorder, your doctor may initially ask you to keep a sleep diary for 1–2 weeks. This is a record of your sleeping and waking patterns and habits. If your doctor can't identify your problem based on your sleep diary, you may need to have a sleep study.

You may be able to complete the sleep study at home, or you may need to come into the sleep lab. A sleep study can help your doctor diagnose the following sleep disorders:

• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleep apnea

How to Access a Sleep Study 

If you are having sleep issues, you can ask your primary care provider for a referral or call the Sleep Diagnostics Lab directly at 978-463-1131.

Preparing for a Sleep Study

If your sleep study will take place in a sleep lab, you may want to bring items that are part of your usual bedtime routine, such as toiletries or reading material. Be sure to bring comfortable clothing, including a change of clothing for the morning. If you use a CPAP machine, you may be directed to bring your mask as well.

During the study, you will sleep in a room much like a hotel room. A sleep technician (a person trained in sleep problems) observes you through a video camera and records how you sleep.

Leading up to the study, take all of your regular medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

On the Day of the Sleep Study

On the day of your sleep study, you should not:

• Take a nap.
• Consume alcohol or excessive amounts of caffeine.
• Use cream or oil products on your hair or skin.