Preparing for a Sleep Study?
Sleep Evaluation
The Sleep Center at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for children with sleep disorders.
Nemours Sleep Center Instructions for Parents
Your child has been scheduled for a sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) in the outpatient Sleep Center at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803.
Please arrive at 7:30 PM. Drive past the playground after entering the hospital gates and continue driving until you reach the main entrance of the hospital by the large flagpole. Someone will direct you to the Sleep Center, which is located on the second floor. Do not enter through the ER entrance or the outpatient playground as this is locked at that time.
Appointment Preparation
A note about Friday night appointments:
Due to increased demand for Friday night sleep studies, contact must be made by 10:30 AM the morning of the study to assure your child’s slot. If no contact is made and we do not hear from you, the appointment may be cancelled.
An Advanced Practice Nurse will call you the morning of the study to confirm the appointment, make sure your child is not sick, and to go over any last-minute questions and instructions. Please inform them if you are planning to give your child any medications during the study time. If you do not receive a call, please call us at (302) 651-5242 or (302) 651-5074.
Tips to ensure that your child’s study runs smoothly
Children who are prepared for the study often have a better experience than those who are unprepared. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk with your child about the study a few days beforehand, and let him or her know what to expect. Give your child time to ask questions and offer plenty of reassurance. Your attitude can greatly affect how your child feels about the study, so be positive and confident. If you have any questions the night of the study, our sleep study technicians can assist you during your stay.
What does a sleep study measure?
A sleep study measures quantity, quality, as well as the breathing patterns during sleep. During normal sleep, the brain remains active and repeatedly goes through several stages. Each of these stages can affect sleep. The sleep study will help to determine if your child has a breathing or movement disorder; problems initiating or maintaining sleep; or is experiencing a behavioral sleep disorder.
How will sleep be measured?
To measure breathing and sleep, sensors and belts will be attached to your child’s head, nose, mouth, chest, abdomen, finger, and legs. These sensors will allow us to record his or her breathing and sleeping patterns. Attaching the sensors is painless and involves no needles, but there will be a lot of stickers and tape. Paste is used to attach the sensors to your child's scalp. Please wash your child’s hair before the study and do not use any gels, mousse, sprays, or lotions, as these may interfere with the testing and disrupt your child's study. When the study is finished, the paste attaching the sensors will easily wash off.
Where is the sleep study done?
The Sleep Center is an outpatient setting inside the duPont Hospital for Children. There are no doctors or nurses located in the center at night however, there are physicians and nurses in the hospital around the clock should a problem arise. A sleep technician will monitor your child throughout the night.
You and your child will have a private room. There is a TV in the room. Linens are provided and a bathroom is available within the Sleep Center. Once your child is connected to all the monitors and the study is being recorded, the lights will be turned off. Beds should be in a flat position. Though you will be present, your child should sleep alone in a bed separate from you. You will be provided with a chair that converts to a bed, or a recliner, which can be placed right next to your child’s bed. Low-level lighting is available if darkness is a problem for your child.
How long will the sleep study last?
The duration of a sleep study will be the entire night. We record information about breathing and sleeping for up to 8 hours. A parent or guardian MUST STAY with the child all night (recliners are provided, along with pillows and blankets). However, due to limited space, only one parent will be allowed to stay with the child.
What about meals and medicines? Please feed your child dinner before arriving and please bring any food or drinks that he or she might need during the night. If tube feeding is required, bring all equipment and supplies. No medications will be provided by the Sleep Center during your stay. If you do not bring your child's required medications with you from home, the study will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule. Give all medications as you normally would at home and bring only those medications that must be given at bedtime or during the night. Bring any medications in their original container(s). Do not give your child any over-the-counter cold or allergy medication the day of the study. Do not allow any caffeine (often an ingredient in soda, iced tea, and chocolate) after 12 noon. Your child must be in his or her usual state of health the day of the study, without fever, excessive congestion, coughing, or runny nose. Please contact the Sleep Center for guidance if he or she has experienced any recent significant change in health, such as a contagious skin rash, lice, seizures, or other developing problem.
What should parents bring to the Sleep Center?
We try to make children as comfortable as possible. Bring any items that you would bring to a hotel, such as your child's pajamas (we recommend loose fitting two-piece pajamas or a loose fitting t-shirt and a pair of elastic waistband shorts, or a diaper and t-shirt for infants). Bring any special items such as a blanket, stuffed animal, pillow, and toothbrush. If your child needs any equipment/supplies (nebulizer, suction catheters, etc.) during the night or is on CPAP, BiPAP, or a ventilator, please bring this with you. Bring your child's insurance card(s) with you the night of the study.
What happens when the sleep study is finished?
When the study is completed, you and your child may leave. Generally, this time is around 6 AM. A report will be completed and sent to the appropriate physician to read and interpret and then the results will be sent to both the primary care provider and the referring doctor.
Learn more about all of the services offered at AIDHC.