Your doctor wants you to have a sleep-deprived EEG. Your doctor may order this test if a standard EEG did not show unusual activity. Like a standard EEG, this test records the electrical activity of your brain. The difference is that we do this test after you have had less sleep than usual. When you are tired, unusual activity is more likely to show which helps your doctor plan your treatment. Talk to your care team if you have questions about this test.
Getting Ready for Your EEG
Stay awake from midnight until your EEG.
Hygiene
Your hair must be clean. Wash it the night before or the morning of your test. Do not use conditioner, gel, or hair spray.
Diet
You may eat and drink as usual. Do not drink caffeine after midnight before the test, such as coffee, tea, or cola.
Medicine
If you are prescribed medicine, you may take it as usual.
Driving
Have someone drive you to the hospital and home. You will be very sleepy after the test.
Arriving for the EEG
Arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Enter through the clinic entrance.
Once you enter, check in at the registration desk on your right-hand side in Town Square (main lobby). Follow Main Street through the H elevator lobby to the J lobby. Check in at the EEG desk.
Ask someone at the information desk for directions if you need help.
During the Procedure
A technologist will place small metal discs on your scalp using a special paste. Once the test begins, it is important that you relax. You will sleep during part of the test. The technologist may ask you to breathe deeply for a short time. You may also see a flashing light during the test, but this is normal.
The test takes about an hour and a half. At the end of the test, the technologist will remove the metal discs and paste. When removing the metal discs and paste, they may use warm water or baby shampoo. You can leave right away when it is done.
Results
The final report of your EEG will be sent to your referring or primary care doctor within a few days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
Who to Call
If you have questions, please contact your provider through MyChart or call your provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, please visit www.uwhealth.org/.