Question:
What do they do with all the wires when you need to use the bathroom?

MY surgeon is referring me for a sleep study as he feels I have Sleep Apnea, while I am ok with going to sleep in a lab with all kinds of wires hooked up to me,I am a side sleeper and being diabetic I must use the bathroom several times a night anyone have this problem? also I can't sleep at all without my sleeping pill,& having taken a xanax a couple of hrs before bedtime, does anyone know what they do about that?Please e-mail me at [email protected] if you have any answers and/or post here and I will look for it/Thanks all,Angel Hugs (:0 Patricia L    — Patricia L. (posted on May 15, 2001)

May 15, 2001
I had this problem too. I was worried about it. When I went, the wires are on you, but connected to a box, then there is a cable the box connects to. When you get up, they hang the box around your neck. Not exactly attractive, but okay. If there was one thing I learned from my sleep study, when they say bring something to eat or some money, you better do it. I was stuck there for the study and the next day with no money or food. Just a tip. And, with all the wires, I didn't want to go hunt down an ATM (I was afraid someone would see me, but I work there at the hospital). Hope this helps. :) It wasn't too bad, stock up on some nail polish remover to get that glue off your head. I also found a small toothed comb helped get the glue out too. They may not attach them as hard to you. I was there for a night test and nap tests.
   — Meredith P.

July 15, 2001
I had a sleep test 2 years ago and again 6 months ago. I started taking sleeping pills because I do shift work and so I never get used to the same sleep schedule. 2 years ago I was on 3rd shift and thought I would be tired enough in the morning(I did my sleep study during the day)that I wouldn't need the sleeping pills. They didn't get a good reading because it took me most of the day to get to sleep. When I went 6 months ago, I told the doctor that I have to take sleeping pills and he said it was fine to take them once I get there. I slept well, and they were able to get a good reading. I would make sure I discuss this with the doctor. One funny thing that happened was the pills make me not remember what I say and I do have a habit of saying some stupid things. When the tech. was wiring me up,(he was a little cutie) I asked him if he knew mouth to mouth incase I stop breathing. Glad I'll never see him again.:) As far as the wires- you are right. They are a pain when you have to go to the bathroom and I found myself holding it long after the point of discomfort. Then standing over the toilet, holding back the wires and lifting your stomach to wipe was one heck of a balancing act. But it was for 2 nights and I was able to split my nights up, so I just made due and got it over with.
   — K T.

November 7, 2001
You just take the wires that are attached to your body with you. It only takes seconds to unhook everything from the plugs and then rehook when you finish. I was afraid I wouldn't make it to the bathroom because of the wait to be "released", but I had no problems. I went on two different nights, had two different techs, and both were very quick and efficient.
   — Vicki H.