In-Lab Sleep Study

If you agree, the doctor will refer you to the Sleep Lab. You'll be given instructions and helpful hints to manage your sleep in the After Visit Summary. Things to work on now are:

• Lose weight, if needed. If may reduce the number of times you stop breathing or have slowed breathing.
• Sleep on your side. It may stop mild apnea. If you tend to roll onto your back, sew a pocket in the back of your pajama top. Put a tennis ball into the pocket, and stitch the pocket closed. This will keep you from sleeping on your back.
• Avoid alcohol and medicines such as sleep pills and sedatives before bed.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make sleep apnea worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Prop up the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches by putting bricks under the front two legs of your bed.
• Treat breathing problems such as stuffy nose, caused by a cold or allergies.
• Do not drive while drowsy. It is dangerous for you and others.

The Sleep Lab receives the referral for the sleep study. A careful review of your medical history and reasons for the test is done to determine which test is best for you. Depending upon your insurance, you will be scheduled either at the Moanalua Medical Center or at a community sleep laboratory contracted by Kaiser Hawaii.

Within a few weeks after your doctor referred you for a sleep study, the Sleep Lab staff where you will be tested will call you to schedule take home test or in-lab test.

After you schedule take home test or in-lab test. You will receive an appointment instructions and reminder packet via mail or email, depending on which test you are scheduled for. Please read the materials in the packet thoroughly and keep this reminder handy prior to your study. A map to the sleep lab is included.

You will receive a sleep study confirmation call a week before your appointment. Staff will review the instructions and ask questions about your needs on the night of the test for your comfort and time considerations.

To cancel or reschedule - Please call us at least 72 hours before your sleep study.

Rescheduling and Cancellation– Life happens and if you need to reschedule your appointment please notify the lab where you are scheduled. Please call the phone number in the appointment reminder that was mailed to you.

No-Show – There is a high demand for sleep studies. Please call to reschedule or cancel your appointment 72 hours ahead so that another patient can be scheduled in your place.

Here's a sleep study preparation checklist.

Request Special Assistance - Please call in advance if you need a wheelchair or may have a someone to escort you from the lobby to the sleep lab.

Request Sleep Medicine: If you anticipate a difficult time falling or staying asleep, talk to your doctor. If you are picking up your medicine on the night of the study, allow at least 20 minutes for pharmacy check-in and pick-up.

For your safety, please do not take the sleep aide (medication) until you are told to do so by the sleep technician at the sleep laboratory.

Plan to bring with you: Loose Clothing: Bring or wear loose, comfortable clothing for sleep. You may bring a favorite pillow, socks or reading material that may help you to relax. Please bring your toiletries. Shower facilities and towels are available Medicines: Bring medicines that you need during the overnight study and in the morning. For example, bring medicines needed for pain control, breathing, heart conditions, or nasal congestion.