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Sleep Disorder Studies: What To Expect

February 20, 2011 on 10:29 am | In cpap | No Comments

If you or your doctor suspect you’re suffering from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, he or she may order a sleep disorder study. These studies are becoming quite common as more doctors are becoming familiar with the process.

Getting Started

You won’t be expected to fall asleep immediately once you get to the sleep disorder clinic. Once you get checked in to begin your sleep apnea tests, you’ll be asked to get into your night clothes and assigned a room for the night. A sleep tech will come in and apply different sensors and wires to different parts of your body. The types of sensors can vary, but common ones are belts placed around your chest to measure your breathing and an oxygen sensor on your finger. You’ll also have a set of electrodes placed on your face and body. These electrodes will measure muscle activity and brain waves, but they won’t hurt.

Many people worry that they won’t be able to sleep when they are hooked up to the electric monitors. Most sleep clinics do their best to create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere to make it easy for you to fall asleep. Without a real life depiction of your sleeping problems they won’t be able to get a true diagnosis. Although it may take a while to fall asleep, if you use techniques to ease your anxieties you will eventually drift off.

During the Study

As you sleep, the sleep disorder technicians will be carefully monitoring your body conditions. They’ll be able to determine if you are having sleep apnea episodes or show signs of another type of sleep disorder. If they are able to diagnose you early, you may be able to save time and complete the second part of the study the same night. However, many sleep disorder studies take two nights to fully complete.

If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ll be able to use a CPAP machine and try out a few different CPAP masks that night. CPAP masks can vary from a small one with nasal pillows to CPAP full face masks, so ask for a new one if you aren’t wearing a comfortable one. CPAP masks do take some getting used to, but once you get used to the using the CPAP machine and wearing the mask, you’ll likely be surprised at how well you sleep.

After You Go Home

Many insurance companies do cover a CPAP machine and mask if you are diagnosed with sleep apnea so make sure you get a prescription from your doctor.

Many people are concerned about being able to sleep with the noise of the machine, but today’s machines are extremely quiet. Some patients are also about being able to sleep while wearing their masks, but with a little practice they get used to it within a few weeks. While the mask may be a little uncomfortable, the trade off is a good night’s sleep.

Going through with a sleep study and getting a sleep apnea diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. Once you figure out what’s keeping you from sleeping, you’ll be able to take the first steps towards fixing your sleeping problems.