Warren General Hospital Sleep Lab


Phone: 814-230-6395
Hours: Monday-Thursday night. 7:00 pm - 5:45 AM

At Warren General Hospital, our Sleep Lab is dedicated to helping patients uncover and treat sleep-related issues that affect overall health and quality of life. By physician referral, we provide comprehensive testing for adults 18 and older, offering a range of studies tailored to each patient’s needs. From convenient home sleep studies to in-lab diagnostic evaluations—including polysomnograms, split-night studies, and PAP titration for CPAP, BiPAP, and BiPAP S/T devices—our team is here to support better rest and better health.

The Day of Your Sleep Study

To help us get the best results from your test, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Try not to nap during the day.

  • Eat dinner as you normally would.

  • Avoid caffeine or alcohol after 3 PM.

  • Please shower and arrive with clean, dry hair.

  • Gentlemen: if you normally shave, please do so. (If you normally keep facial hair, no need to change!)

  • Skip the extras—please don’t wear jewelry, perfume, cologne, nail polish, lotion, or hairspray.

What to Bring With You

  • Comfortable sleepwear (two-piece pajamas are best, but one-piece is okay too).

  • A favorite pillow or blanket, if it helps you feel at home.

  • Your medication list, along with any evening medicines you’ll need.

  • A small snack or drink if you’d like.

  • Anything else that makes you feel comfortable for the night.

When You Arrive

You can come in through the Main Entrance or the ER Entrance. Please plan to arrive about 5–10 minutes early so you have time to check in with Registration. The Sleep Lab is located inside One Day Surgery.

For Home Sleep Studies

  • Equipment pick-up is at 7:00 PM, and it should be returned the next night at 7:00 PM.

  • When you arrive, the technician will spend about 5–10 minutes showing you how everything works.

  • You’ll also be given a phone number so you can reach the on-call technician with any questions during your study.

For In-Lab Sleep Studies

  • In-lab studies begin at 7:30 PM, but you won’t be heading to bed until around 10:00 PM.

  • When you arrive, the technician will walk you through the process, explain the equipment, and point out the restroom and how to reach them during the night.

  • We’ll use small electrode stickers and a gentle paste to place sensors that monitor your brain activity, eye movements, leg movements, breathing, oxygen levels, and heart activity while you sleep.

  • The study ends at 5:00 AM, and patients are usually discharged shortly afterward.

  • You may want to plan extra time in the morning to go home and shower off the adhesive or paste used during the test.

Frequently Asked Questions – In-Lab Sleep Studies

Can I use the restroom during the night?

Yes! Just signal the technician, and they’ll help get you unhooked so you can get up.

Is there a TV in the room?

Yes, each room has a TV.

What if I don’t fall asleep?

It’s very rare for someone not to sleep at all. Most people actually sleep more than they realize once the study is done.

Do I have to sleep on my back?

No—you can sleep in whatever position feels most natural for you.

What time will I be done in the morning?

Studies end around 5:00–5:15 AM, and patients are usually discharged shortly after.

How do I remove the paste used in the test?

The paste is water-soluble and washes out easily with warm water.

I already use a CPAP/BiPAP machine. Should I bring it?

No need—we have a PAP machine in the lab that works with our software.

Can you really tell when I’m asleep?

Yes, the sensors monitor brain waves, so we can see when you fall asleep and when you wake up.

What if something comes off during the night?

The technician will notice right away and come in to fix it. They’ll always let you know before entering the room.

Why do I have to arrive so early if I’m not going to bed until 10 PM?

Studies are scheduled for 7:30 PM to allow time for setup, explaining the process, and answering questions. Actual bedtime is usually closer to 10 PM.

Are sleep studies only for sleep apnea?

No, they can help diagnose or rule out a variety of sleep disorders—not just sleep apnea.

Does everyone test positive for sleep apnea?

Not at all. While sleep apnea is common, many patients test negative.

Do I need someone to drive me, or can I come on my own?

You are welcome to drive yourself to and from the study.