Health care providers do a sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) to understand how a child is sleeping. Most sleep studies happen overnight in a private room that is dark and quiet. There is a bed for the child (or a crib for younger children) and also a bed or cot for a parent or guardian. A sleep technician is there to set up the equipment and answer questions.

Your child will wear sensors that are attached to wires on the head, nose, mouth, chest, belly, finger, and legs. The technician will attach them with stickers, tape, or paste. The sensors measure breathing, the amount of certain gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) in the body, how the heart is beating, body movements, and brain waves. This information is sent to a computer. The sensors stay on until your child gets up in the morning, and come off easily after the study.

There is also a microphone to record sounds and a camera to record your child's sleep.

You and your child will go home early in the morning when the study is over.

• One parent or guardian must stay with the child the whole night. 
• Talk to your child about the sleep study a few days in advance. Use simple language to explain what will happen. Tell your child:
  • The sleep study will not hurt.
  • There will be no needles.
  • A parent (or guardian) will be there the whole time.
  • They can bring a favorite blanket or toy to sleep with.
  • If they need to go to the bathroom, someone will help them so the wires don't get tangled.
• Pack overnight items for you and your child, such as:
  • Pajamas and slippers
  • A toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
  • Books, music, or other quiet activities to help your child relax
  • Special items that your child likes to sleep with, such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow
• If your child uses medical equipment or supplies or takes any medicines at night, bring these with you. Ask the health care provider if your child should use the equipment and take the medicines as usual.
• On the day of the study:
  • Wash your child's hair. Do not use any gels, mousse, sprays, or lotions.
  • Feed your child dinner before arriving at the sleep lab.
  • Your child should not drink caffeinated beverages (soda, coffee, tea) or have anything with chocolate after noon that day.
  • Do not let your child take a nap.

• Your child develops a fever, cough, runny nose, or any other health issue before the sleep study. Sleep studies should be done when kids are in their usual state of health, so it will be rescheduled if your child is sick.
• You have any questions about the upcoming sleep study.

Why is a sleep study done? Some sleep problems in kids that the study might show include: 

• Obstructive sleep apnea (when someone's breathing is blocked temporarily during sleep)
• Periodic limb movement disorder (cramping and jerking of legs during sleep)
• Narcolepsy (a problem with the sleep/wake cycle)
• Hypersomnia (extreme tiredness during the day)