What’s the Best Day to Have a Sleep Study?

What’s the best day to have a sleep study? As a sleep technologist, I would argue Monday through Thursday would be the best. Why? Because I am human and I don’t like to work weekends. All joking aside, I’ll bet your preference isn’t to either.

So, what is the best day to have one? It seems like a quick answer like Friday or Monday would suffice, but naturally, you’re a unique person with a unique job and unique schedule. So I thought it would be more helpful to provide information and suggestions to help you make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that each sleep center might differ according to its protocols.

Consider your symptom severity

Each person has varying symptoms. For one person, they might feel very mild symptoms – slight fatigue and snoring. The person with these symptoms can be more choosy on what day they would prefer.

For someone else with severe symptoms – falling asleep while driving, witnessed apneas, and unable to perform basic tasks, they’ll need to pick the day that’s first available. In addition to this, sleep centers might have a cancellation list available to get you in sooner.

Consider your sleep schedule

Sometimes it’s not the day, but the time that’s more important to a person. If you are a second shifter or a third shifter, it’s important to keep your same sleep schedule.

If you try to flip your sleep schedule to accommodate the sleep lab, it could lead to a poor night of sleep and you might have to repeat the study. Instead, speak with the sleep lab and let them know your situation so they can accommodate your schedule.

Consider your work schedule

If you’ve never had a sleep study before, you might not know you can’t wake up at any time. Every so often, a patient will complain to me about the designated time I’ll be waking them up. In an attempt to poke some fun, I’ll always push back and say, “This isn’t a hotel!”

So to make this applicable to you, if you want a weekend day thinking you can sleep in, you might want to think again. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to do it.

For some people, it’s the complete opposite – they need to be up very early for work. If you are this person, I think it would be wise to inform the sleep center ahead of time.

I assume every sleep lab requires you to have at least 6 hours of recording time. I know the several I’ve worked at did; it’s for insurance reasons. That’s why it’s likely every sleep center will require it. A couple of solutions to meet the required recording would be to come in early or take off the next day from work.

Is it the end of the year?

I know this doesn’t have anything to do with what day of the week you should schedule a sleep study, but consider this: if you need to do a sleep study by the end of the year, it would be wise to schedule a few weeks in advance knowing that the end of the year fills up fast as people’s deductibles are being met.

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision.

Tell us your sleep study story. Any comments or questions, please comment below!