Why is it critical to avoid caffeine and nicotine prior to a sleep study?

Avoiding caffeine and nicotine prior to a sleep study is crucial because both substances can significantly disrupt sleep quality and duration. Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that can interfere with the ability to fall asleep and reduce overall sleep efficiency. It can extend the time it takes to reach deeper sleep stages and lead to lighter, more fragmented sleep. Similarly, nicotine, found in tobacco products, is also a stimulant that can disrupt normal sleep architecture and exacerbate wakefulness during the night.

In the context of a sleep study, the primary goal is to accurately assess sleep patterns and disorders. The presence of stimulants like caffeine and nicotine can introduce variability in the data collected, making it more challenging to achieve a clear understanding of the individual's sleep behavior and any underlying sleep issues. For these reasons, eliminating caffeine and nicotine intake before the study is essential for obtaining valid and reliable results.