In Association WithPreparing For Your Sleep Study
We would like to ensure a safe patient care environment for you, our staff, and other patients of the Sleep Disorders Center. If you have any questions about your test, need to make arrangements for special medical equipment (hospital bed, hoyer lift), or you require special care or assistance, please contact the Sleep Disorders Center at (603) 650-7534 before your test so we can address any issues and make any appropriate arrangements for your care.
Preparing for your sleep study at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Sleep Disorders Center can be an easy process. Here is a guideline for what you need to do the day of your sleep study.
Day of your sleep study
You can go about your normal routine the day of your study with the following exceptions:
- Do not drink any caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas, or chocolate drinks.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not take a nap.
- If you have an illness on the day of your study and you feel it might interfere with your sleep, call the Sleep Disorders Center as soon as possible at (603) 650-7534 for advice on how to proceed.
Before you arrive
- Take your normal medications unless instructed differently by your physician.
- Take a shower or a bath and wash your hair, but do not use any bath oils, creme rinse or hair conditioner.
- After you shower, please do not use makeup, skin lotion, any hair gel, hairspray or mousse. These items will leave the skin oily and will make it difficult for the sensors to stay on your skin.
- Shave. Unless you have a full-grown beard or mustache, men should shave before arriving.
- Eat a regular meal at dinnertime.
- Pack as you would for an overnight stay at a friend's house. For the benefit of your privacy and comfort, please bring appropriate and comfortable nightclothes (such as T-shirts and shorts or pajama top and bottoms, no nightgowns please). Other patients and staff members will be in the general testing area.
- Let family or others know they may reach you at (603) 650-8002 they will be connected to your room.
- Arrange transportation home if needed. You will be ready to go home around 10:00 AM on the morning after your study unless you are asked to stay for an MSLT.
Bring the following items with you to the Sleep Center:
- Medical insurance card
- Medications - If you take prescription medications, bring enough to get you through that night and the following day.
- Toiletries - Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- A favorite pillow - The pillows at the laboratory might be different from those you use at home.
- If you like, reading material such as books or newspapers.
Arriving at the Sleep Disorders Center
For your overnight evaluation, please arrive at the Sleep Disorders Center at 8:00 PM. If you know you are going to be arriving later than this time then contact the laboratory at (603) 650-8002.
The Sleep Disorders Center is located in the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. For a map and directions to the Medical Center campus, please click here.
Parking
Once you arrive at the DHMC campus, follow the signs to the North Entrance (Patient Visiting) where you will find patient parking. Parking is free for all patients.
Finding the Sleep Disorders Center
Once you are at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, come to the North Entrance (Patient Visiting). Then walk straight ahead to the elevators and take them to Level 2. As you exit the elevator turn right and you will come to a hallway. Turn right down the hallway and follow it all the way down to the Sleep Disorders Center. There are signs posted along the way to help guide you.