Preparing for a Sleep Study

Cook Children's Sleep Center: Prepare for an Overnight Stay

If your child is scheduled for a sleep study, you'll typically need to arrive at the Cook Children's Sleep Center around 6:30 p.m. This gives your child time to get comfortable with the environment before beginning the study. The study usually begins between 8 and 9 p.m.

Cook Children's Sleep Center will serve you in an improved area at the Dodson Specialty Clinics. Please use the P1 garage to park and check in at the new location of Dodson Central Registration. If you have any questions, just ask us. We're here for you every step! Download map.

We recommend that you follow your child's normal dinner and bedtime routine prior to arriving for the sleep study. Please plan to stay with your child in the Sleep Center during the procedure. Due to space limitations, we ask that only one parent or legal guardian stay with your child.

Bring comfortable sleepwear for your child
Bring diapers, formulas, snacks or other items your child normally needs
Bring any medications or treatments that your child normally takes
Bring any toiletries needed – showers are available to use prior to leaving
Feel free to bring your child's favorite items (toy, blanket) especially if your child needs it for sleep
NO CAFFEINE (coﬀee, tea, chocolate, etc.) after 1 p.m. the afternoon of the study
Children staying in the center for a day study are provided breakfast and lunch

What to expect

For the study, special non-invasive electrodes and monitors are attached to your child's face, head and arms prior to sleep. A polysomnography technician monitors your child's breathing, heart rate, oxygen level, sleep stages and chest and abdominal movement.

The technician tallies the results to pinpoint what irregularities were present and measures their severity.

The study takes around 10-12 hours and then you and your child may go home.

We're here to help.

If your child has been diagnosed, you probably have lots of questions. We can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staﬀ, please call our oﬃces at 682-303-1300.