Information and instructions for your overnight sleep test

Information and instructions for your overnight sleep test

Our sleep clinic has six bedrooms and two technologists. You will have your own room. The clinic is on the third floor of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre in room 3127.

Before the Test:

  • Do not nap the day of your test.
  • Do not have caffeine or alcohol after 4pm.
  • Gentlemen, please shave facial stubble before your test. Beards are okay.
  • Do not use makeup or moisturizer on your face or legs.
  • Please remove any nail polish or artificial nails on your index fingers.

What to Bring:

  • Sleep attire. Wear something comfortable and loose-fitting to sleep in, such as pajamas, a t-shirt and shorts, a nightgown, etc.). If you are used to sleeping with a bare chest, please note that you may be more comfortable with something on. For your test, we place respiratory bands over your chest and abdomen, and they may not be comfortable directly against your skin.
  • Something to read or do.  You will be hooked up to the equipment soon after you arrive, but you do not have to go to sleep right away. You can relax in your room and read before bedtime.
  • A drink and/or snack if you want (but nothing with caffeine).
  • Your medication. Take it as you would normally do at home, unless the doctor tells you otherwise.
  • If you already use a CPAP machine, bring your tubing and mask and any accessories you need to use it (i.e. a hose suspension system). We do NOT need your machine.
  • Toiletries if you intend to use the shower facilities in the morning. You do NOT need to bring a towel — we’ll provide this.

What NOT to bring:

  • Do NOT bring your own bedding or towel. Each room has linens provided and extra pillows and blankets are available. Due to hospital-wide health and safety precautions, patients are not allowed to bring their own pillows or linens. 
  • Smoking is not permitted.

When you get here:

  • We ask that you arrive for your specified appointment time only. No need to arrive any earlier.
  • The overnight parking rate is $13.75. You may park at the main entrance.
  • Come straight to the Sleep Clinic when you arrive (room 3127). You do not need to check in anywhere else.

Set up:

  • Soon after you are settled in your room, you will be hooked up to the equipment. This process is painless and usually takes 40-50 minutes. The technologist will explain what the equipment is used for and what it records. Feel free to ask any questions during the process. You will have some paste on your scalp. It will wash off next day.

During the night:

  • You may toss and turn with the equipment on. Sleep in any position you like.
  • If you need to use the washroom, just press the call button in your room. A technologist will come in and simply unplug your equipment so that you can get up. Do not hesitate to press the call button anytime you need assistance. 
  • Each room is equipped with an infrared camera. The camera records, allowing for the documentation of body position, snoring and sleepwalking behaviours.  Video is recorded and only clinical significant clips are kept.

Wake up:

  • Wake up times are 6:00–6:30 a.m. The technologist will remove all your equipment. If someone is picking you up, you should be ready to leave the hospital by 7 a.m.  
  • We have shower facilities available to use in the morning.  Bring your own toiletries with you. We provide towels.  

If for any reason you cannot make any of your appointments, please call 613.722.6521 ext. 6226. A fee may be charged for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hrs. notice.