Sleep Study Instructions

Sleep Study Instructions

Please follow the instructions and arrive promptly at the time of your appointment.

You will spend the scheduled number of nights/days in a private bedroom with bath located in the Sleep Disorders Center at Russell Medical. Upon arrival at Russell Medical’s main entrance, please inform personnel at the Information Desk that you are to have a sleep study performed. Our staff will escort you to the sleep center where we will fully explain your procedure to you.

The Sleep Disorders Center does not have accommodations to allow family members and/or friends to stay in the room with you. The exceptions are for a patient who is a minor child, or when a pre-approved medical condition mandates constant care. Hotels are in close proximity to Russell Medical for guests traveling with out-of-town patients.

  • Pre-registration must be completed prior to the day of your study and is required for EACH study you have performed at the center.
  • You may also pre-register over the phone by calling (256) 397-7700 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Inform the registrar you are calling to pre-register for your sleep study. The registrar must have a copy of the orders and other paperwork your sleep physician will provide to you.
  • You will be contacted by the Pre-Access department to pre-register prior to the date of your study. They will ask required questions and may ask for payment information as well.

Important Facts to Remember

Meals will not be provided for patients having an overnight or daytime sleep study. Be sure to eat your evening meal prior to your sleep study. Exceptions: If you have an overnight study with MSLT, breakfast and lunch meals will be provided. MSLT’s without overnight study will only have lunch provided. 

If you are diabetic or require a snack before bedtime, you may wish to bring a snack with you.

If You Are Taking Any Medications, Bring Them With You. Bring a current list of all medications you are taking. Keep a careful record of any medications you take during the day of your study. Once you arrive for your study, please notify the technician prior to taking any medications.

Please make sure your hair and face are free of any oils, creams, or lotions. Men need to be clean-shaven and women need to remove make-up and fingernail polish. Neatly trimmed mustaches and beards normally do not present a problem. If you wear hair extensions, please contact a member of the sleep center staff prior to the study.

Pack all items you normally would when staying away from home. Hair dryers are available upon request. Please feel free to bring your favorite pillow for added comfort.

Underwear, gym shorts, and/or 2-piece pajamas should be worn during your study. Clothing that is 2-piece with buttons in the front is preferred but not required. Please, no silk or satin sleepwear; cotton is preferred.

You should refrain from consuming caffeine at least 4 hours prior to your study. This includes coffee, tea, soft drinks with caffeine, chocolate, etc.

No smoking is allowed druing testing.

Avoid daytime or evening naps the day of your study. Do maintain your usual exercise habits.

(Monday – Thursday) Patients should report to the hospital Surgery Registration area at 7:30 p.m. to check-in. (Friday -Sunday) Patients should reprot to the hospital ER at 7:30 p.m. to check-in.  

We designate 10:00 p.m. as “lights out”.

Patients being “dropped off” for their overnight study should be picked up at the Russell Medical Main Lobby around 6:00 a.m.

ALSO…

If you are given a questionnaire by your physician, you must bring a completed copy with you if you have not already completed and turned into your physician prior to the study. Failure to provide the required paperwork may result in your study being canceled.

Russell Medical and the Sleep Disorders Center are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

It is extremely important for you to keep your scheduled appointment. Please contact the Sleep Disorders Center at (256)329-7371 at least 24 hours in advance if you must cancel.

To reschedule your study please contact the Sleep Disorders Center at (256)329-7371  between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The Sleep Disorders Center at Russell Medical is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and offers four rooms uniquely equipped in a comfortable home-like setting for patients staying overnight for evaluation. Amenities include a television, Wi-Fi, reclining chair and personal bathroom.

An experienced staff member will attach sensors to your body and monitor several activities while you sleep, including brain waves, limb movements, oxygen levels and even snoring.

Following your test, the sleep specialist will review your results for an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

Professional Building Russell Medical

3368 Highway 280 Suite G-16

Alexander City, AL 35010

256.329.7371

SDC@russellmedcenter.com

Sleep Disorders Center: