During your sleep study the following steps will occur:

  • The technician will take initial readings from the sensors while you are awake.
  • You will try to fall asleep. If you usually read or watch T.V. to help you fall asleep, that's fine. But at some point the room will be darkened so you can sleep through the night. (You should get at least 6 hours of sleep for a good test). 
  • The sensors attached to your body send signals to equipment in another room. A technician monitors the signals in the other room. If the sensors show that you repeatedly stop breathing, this indicated you have sleep apnea. 

If sleep apnea is confirmed early enough during the test, you may be given a trial of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. In this case, here's what will happen:

  1. Start positive airway pressure (PAP). The technician will enter your room to put a PAP mask over your nose or your nose and mouth and start PAP therapy. You will need to try to fall back asleep.
  2. Monitoring your response and adjusting the airflow. Your response to PAP therapy will be monitored from another room. The technician will adjust the airflow coming from the mask, so it is just enough to keep your airway open without being too strong. This helps determine the best way to start treatment.