What to Expect During The Night of Your Sleep Study

[jmichael]

by Ted S Bellezza RPSGT
http://blog.clevemed.com/2009/what-to-e ... eep-study/

A sleep study (also called a polysomnogram) is a test that records your physical state during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. It provides data that are essential in evaluating sleep and sleep-related complaints, such as identifying sleep stages, body position, blood oxygen levels, respiratory events, muscle tone, heart rate, amount of snoring and general sleep behavior.

Arriving at the sleep lab and initial paperwork:
If your physician feels you need a sleep study you will make an appointment for a test that will take place at night in the sleep center. After your arrive at the sleep center, you will be asked to complete questionnaires on your sleep the night before and a brief sleep history. Many sleep centers offer a video or other information about the sleep study or specific disorders such as sleep apnea, since a significant percentage of those who have sleep tests are suspected to have sleep apnea. The video may also address what you should expect during the sleep test to ease any concerns that you may have. Then you will be asked to change into nightclothes.

Applying electrodes:
After changing, the polysomnographic technologist will connect you to the electrodes that will record your brain waves and muscle movements throughout the night. This will not hurt or break the skin. The electrodes are placed in specific areas and applied with water-soluble gel and tape. The electrodes record brain waves, muscle movement, rapid eye movement (REM), air intake, and periodic limb movement. A microphone attached to your neck records snoring, and two belt-like straps around the chest and lower abdomen monitor muscle movement during breathing. Despite all of the equipment, most people say it doesn’t disrupt their sleep.

Testing electrodes and Monitoring:
After settling into bed, your technician may go to a monitoring room and ask you over an intercom to perform certain tasks that will show the electrodes are recording properly. You will be observed on a television monitor during the night, but that is to allow the technician to note your body movements during sleep.

Follow up:
A follow up appointment with your referring physician may occur after your initial sleep study. If your physician feels you have symptoms requiring a second night in the sleep lab; this may be scheduled prior to your follow up. During the follow up, the physician will discuss results, and may prescribe treatment for a sleep disorder.

* List of things to do the day of your test: Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
* Arrive on time, since setup takes some time.
* Bring a pair of comfortable bedclothes. Some patients like to bring their own pillows or blankets as well.
* Bring any medications you are being prescribed or will need to take during the hours you will be at the sleep center.
* Generally, you are asked to obtain a normal nights sleep the night before the test. Do not take naps on this day.

[baldbaby]

The way I was wired up I was pretty much forced to sleep on my back. It's not only because of all the wires, but that is usually the worst position for apneas and they want to see the worst case. I would add. Don't drink a lot of fluids as it's a hassle to have to get up to take a pee.

[JimW203]

If you have a thick head of hair you may find the gunk they use to attach electrodes to the head will require a very thorough shampooing to get out (my experience, and I'm mostly bald). Also, in the last one I did, they used red markers to locate the attachment points on my head and that added to the mess. Fortunately, they had a shower in the suite's bathroom and that made it more tolerable - I didn't have to drive home with that gunk all over my head.

JimW203

[yorkiemum01]

simply put...expect very little sleep, and to be smeared with petroleum jelly with electrodes pertruding from them.

[yorkiemum01]

If you have a thick head of hair you may find the gunk they use to attach electrodes to the head will require a very thorough shampooing to get out (my experience, and I'm mostly bald). Also, in the last one I did, they used red markers to locate the attachment points on my head and that added to the mess. Fortunately, they had a shower in the suite's bathroom and that made it more tolerable - I didn't have to drive home with that gunk all over my head.

JimW203

Wow Jim, I'm jealous...as I left the sleep lab at 5am and hit a Mcdonalds on the way home for coffee, and
I looked like MEDUSA...my hair all amuck, a true horrid sight! I shall never return to that Mcdonalds, LOL