While you are sleeping, various important body functions and measurements are monitored and recorded. The parameters recorded in a sleep study include:
- Brain waves
- Eye movement
- Leg movement
- Snoring
- Breathing efforts and movement
- Heartbeat
- Chin movement
- Breathing
- Oxygen levels
The use of electrodes or sensors will monitor the above in a sleep study. These sensors monitor the activities that go on in your body during sleep. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen measure your breathing. A clip to your finger monitors the level of oxygen in your blood and your heart rate.
These devices are not painful and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible. The electrodes may feel strange on your skin at first, but most people do not find them uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep.
If you have questions or concerns about the application of the electrodes (if, for example, you use a hearing aid, wear a hairpiece or are sensitive to certain chemicals), contact your doctor or speak with the technician before you arrive at the center. Please note that one technologist is assigned to two patients and will be going back and forth between patients.