Demystifying the Sleep Center

If you are like me (frightening thought, I am sure), you like to know what to expect. And your expectations are a reference point to your future experience. As a sleep technologist, I’ve noticed these trends.

For example, if a person coming for a sleep study expects the sleep center to be similar to an inpatient hospital room, their expectations are grossly exceeded and they are easily satisfied. But the other side of the coin stems from the same principle:

A bad first impression can carry over to CPAP

For example, if the person expects to shower in the morning and there isn’t a shower available, their experience could be totally ruined. A single expectation, either way, can ruin or perfect their experience. Their experience could either enhance or diminish their mindset of wearing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine at home. I liken it to a first impression.

In this article, I hope to play a role in helping to set your experience in the sleep lab by describing what’s involved. The way I’ll do this is by describing sleep centers I’ve worked at, although I am sure most are similar.

What is in a sleep lab?

Before we get into what’s in a sleep lab, I want to emphasize that most sleep labs I’ve worked in don’t look like a hospital or hotel room. They have a much more friendly atmosphere to them, almost like a bedroom. Upon entering this bedroom, you’ll find several different items. First up...

Recliner

In most cases, after a patient goes through the normal functions (CPAP desensitization, education, and hookup), they aren't ready for bed. The recliner serves as a way for them to relax as they watch television, read, or play on their phones. A sleep principle states that a persaon shouldn’t spend time in bed if they aren't sleeping or having sex. So a recliner serves well as the patient waits for bedtime.

Television

Naturally, there isn’t a lot to do in a sleep lab as far as entertainment goes, but every sleep lab I’ve worked in has a television. Although I must say, the first sleep lab I worked in had a community television. Yes, I know that’s weird, but I only worked there, I didn’t own it.

Outlets

I know the need to keep an iPad, laptop, Kindle, and smartphones charged up in today's world. Sleep labs have the availability to keep these devices fully charged.

Restrooms

I feel like this must be the most popular question I receive: "Can I use the restroom during the night?” The answer, of course, is yes! I’ve worked in sleep labs where the restroom is a part of the bedroom, but I’ve also worked in sleep labs where there is a community bathroom.

Shower

Most sleep labs I’ve worked in have a shower for patient use. Just like the television and the restrooms, some are community showers, and others are attached to the restroom. Just so you know, if you are a high fall risk, they might not let you shower.

Bonus: 1 health system I work for actually had several of their sleep centers in hotels. How's that for strange...hmm?

If there are any questions or comments, please leave them below!