How to Sleep with an Ambulatory EEG at Home
Published 1/20/2025

Sleeping with an ambulatory EEG can feel unfamiliar at first, especially if it's your first time with the process. The device monitors brain activity over an extended period, typically while you go about your normal routine. Doctors choose to work with ambulatory EEG monitoring companies because it allows the tests to be completed at home. This comes with several benefits, including comfort and convenience. There may be a few adjustments needed to ensure a smooth sleeping experience. In this guide, we'll go over steps and explanations that will help you sleep more comfortably while wearing an ambulatory EEG.
Preparing for a Comfortable Sleep with an EEG
1. Adjust the Room Temperature
Keep the room a few degrees cooler than you normally would. If you tend to feel warm while sleeping, consider using fewer blankets. Doing so will help prevent sweating, which can make the headwrap uncomfortable and lead to irritation. Sweat can also interfere with the adhesive securing the electrodes, which affects the test's accuracy.
2. Position the Wires Carefully
Treat the wires as if they are a ponytail. Keep them behind your head while you sleep. This reduces the likelihood of tangling. Keep the ambulatory EEG wires in place to prevent accidental pulling, which could dislodge the electrodes.
3. Secure the Ambulatory EEG Bag
Place the Ambulatory EEG bag in a stable location. Options include placing it above your head on the bed, between your pillows, or on the side of the bed against a wall. If you're a calm sleeper who doesn't move much, you can hang the bag from a bedpost or chair. The goal is to keep the ambulatory EEG steady without it falling off the bed. Stability is important to prevent interruptions during the test.
4. Minimize Electronic Interference
Place the ambulatory EEG bag away from any electronic devices like cochlear implants and electric blankets. Devices like these can send out signals that disrupt the ambulatory EEG's ability to record data accurately. Using phones, laptops, or gaming controllers is generally okay. If you are unsure about an electronic device, ask the remote monitoring EEG company’s technologist for help.
5. Use Silk or Satin to Reduce Friction
Sleeping with wires from an ambulatory EEG can feel awkward, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Switching to silk or satin pillowcases, scarves, or bonnets helps the wires slide, instead of catching during the night. This reduces the chance of discomfort or interruptions and keeps the setup secure while you rest.
6. Address Itchiness Safely
Do not scratch or tap your head if the wrap feels itchy. Instead, use a handheld fan to cool your scalp. In cooler months, stepping outside for a quick moment can also provide relief. The reason why you should not scratch your head is because it can loosen the electrodes or compromise their placement, so these alternative methods help maintain the test's integrity.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated. Proper hydration reduces dryness, which is a common cause of itchiness under the headwrap. This step helps you stay comfortable throughout the testing period.
8. Adjust the Headwrap if Needed
Some may feel that the headwrap is too tight while sleeping. If this is the case, it's best to call the remote EEG monitoring company for proper guidance on loosening it. Do not try to loosen the headwrap yourself, as it might interfere with the test accuracy.
9. Leave Slack in the Wires
Make sure there’s enough slack in the wires so they aren’t pulled tight while you sleep. Keep the bag close to your head. This helps reduce pulling and keeps the electrodes in place, avoiding unnecessary discomfort.
10. Reapply the Chin Strap
You can remove the chin strap before sleeping if it feels restrictive. Just remember to reattach it in the morning. This helps balance comfort with the requirement to keep all components in place.
Conclusion
Sleeping with an ambulatory EEG may seem inconvenient at first, but these 10 tips will make the process more workable. There are various things to consider to ensure testing accuracy, such as wire positioning and hydration. Don’t forget to contact the remote EEG monitoring company for help if the head strap is too tight. Visit Neurotech’s patient FAQ page for more common questions. With careful preparation, you can complete the test successfully and provide the accurate data your healthcare provider needs. To learn more about our remote EEG monitoring company, contact Neurotech here.