How to Prepare for a Sleep Study

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Jaxson's first sleep study

Let's rewind for a second...

When Jaxson was born our Pediatrician was concerned about his recessed chin, or micrognathia. They were especially concerned when he was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia, an airway disorder, and his micrognathia. Why you ask? Well Laryngomalacia occurs when the larynx is softened and flops back and forth when the child breathes. Since he had the softening of his larynx and micrognathia it was a concern for severe obstructive sleep apnea events.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and blocks the airway during sleep. It is also one of a few types of sleep apnea disorders.

How does one diagnosis this?

In order to diagnosis sleep apnea, one has to partake in a sleep study at a Sleep Center. Generally when you go in for a sleep study it is after hours around 6 pm and you check out at 6 am the following morning. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.

Our son Jaxson didn't like to have the CPAP in his nose, therefore we were frequently trying to place it back. There seemed to be hundreds of cords attached to his head and Jaxson wanted to rip out every single one of them.

7 Tips to make your time at a sleep study less stressful:

Jaxson in his rock n' play

1. Try to keep to your child's bed time routine. At that point in time, the only way Jaxson would sleep was if he was in his rock n' play and swaddled with his pacifier. I know it is going to be difficult to keep your routine but bringing their favorite book, stuffed animal, or blanket could help make your stay a little better. We literally brought our rock n' play with us to help him feel a little 'at home'. The blanket and pacifier helped comfort him as well.


2. BRING YOUR PHONE CHARGER. I couldn't sleep because I was either wrestling with him to keep his bandage (on his head) and keep the tubing (CPAP) in his nose, I was stressed about the results, and I had anxiety because we weren't home. I know no one will be up to talk to but you can lurk on Facebook, catch up on the recent gossip, or play Angry Birds. Nothing is more upsetting then your phone dying and you have NO phone charger.

3. Bring your child's tablet (if child is older). Jaxson wasn't old enough for a tablet but if he was I would've brought my oldest son's Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition. This tablet is an absolute godsend on road trips, shopping trips, doctor appointments, etc. Ensure you bring the charger to that as well!

4. If you have other children, PLAN AHEAD. Please, PLEASE plan ahead. You cannot bring any other children or adult with you. Nothing is more stressful than trying to find a last minute baby sitter! If you are a military family like us it is extra hard to find someone to babysit last minute, our family is too far away.

5. Bring snacks! YESSS. Pack snacks! The two times we've gone to a sleep study they didn't have anything to eat or drink. Pack your child's favorite snack and juice box!

6. Wear comfortable clothing. This is obvious. I wore a pair of comfy sweats and a big t-shirt to his sleep study. I knew it was going to be a rough night and wanted to be comfortable. Also bring your child in a two piece because they'll have a lot of cables! It'll be easier on everyone involved if they're wearing a two piece pajama set and not a sleeper.

7. Last but not least... bring patience. This is going to be hard for them and you. They're going to be scared when they wrap their heads with bandage to keep the leeds attached to their heads. They're not going to be in the comfort of their home and stressed out. Patience is key.

I hope that these tips make your sleep study successful and not extra stressful! What tips have you found worked for you at a sleep study? Please share below!