My First Sleep Study, Straightforward & Simple. . . right?

[OSA_stinks]

So I've watched the video on what to expect from my first sleep study, and it was pretty generic.

But i am wondering if there is anything i should be prepared for, or if i should bring something in particular to the study?

thanks.

joel

[DEXSUZ]

Joel:

My SS was done at a local hospital and all they told me to bring were:

1) Comfortable bed clothes
2) My own pillow (so I'd be comfortable)
3) Any bedtime medicines

Reporting time was 8:30 p.m. and lights out was 10:15. All that was missing was the playing of Taps.

I was mightily pleased with everything that transpired at my study. Best of luck!

[NotLazyJustTired]

Best things to bring are a calm spirit and a positive attitude. I was a bit anxious (I think most people are) and it kept me from falling asleep. Just go with it. You will sleep longer than you think and the data that is provided will help you.

I was told not to bring any reading material, cell phone, or other electronic devices...anything that might distract you from falling asleep.
Just jammies, pillow (optional) and my insurance information and picture ID. Also, if your doctor has prescribed a sleep aid, or you normally take one, then that as well. I think that's pretty much it.

[OSA_stinks]

thanks guys,

sounds good. im sure ill fall asleep no problem. i usually go to sleep fine.

[Nooblakahn]

One thing I noticed. Time to fall asleep in the sleep lab seemed very long. Don't let this bother you. For me in the end it was only 15 minutes, but that 15 minutes seemed like hours.

[hyperlexis]

thanks guys,

sounds good. im sure ill fall asleep no problem. i usually go to sleep fine.

Really, ask your MD for a tranquilizer to make you sleep. You really, really may need it. I didn't and I seriously regret it.

I usually have zero probs sleeping. But for my sleep study -- severe insomnia, and they could only get 3 hours of deep sleep, which was barely enough for a proper test, and still not enough time to allow for a 'split night' test where they diagnose, and then titrate proper cpap pressures.

The machines, the wiring all over your head and body, the noises, and the anticipation of a medical procedure all make for a very poor sleep environment. So even if normal sleep comes easily, in this type of test setting it very likely will not.

[quietmorning]

The first sleep study I had, I was told that there would be coffee available. What I found is that they was coffee available - for the staff. They were nice enough to grab me a cup when I left - had a very hard night, and I was very thankful for it!

The second sleep study, I brought my own fresh, then chilled coffee with me in a thermos, my own coffee mug, and I flavored the coffee before I chilled it, so it was ready to go - just needed to be nuked. They were very happy to do so for me - that was such a relief.

[johnthomasmacdonald]

I had my first one on Tues night. I felt tired before getting into bed but it seemed to take forever for me to fall off. When they woke me up after a couple of hours, it again took me forever to fall asleep and i usually fall right back asleep without any problem. I'd say not to panic if you aren't falling asleep. Don't stress yourself thinking: " i must fall asleep". Take any pillows or comforters that you use when you sleep if you think it will make you more comfortable ( my room was a bit too cold for the really thin blanket they provided and I normally like it very cold where i sleep). Music or book or dvd player that relaxes you and helps you off into sleep. If your doctor will prescribe it, a sleeping pill or tranquilizer in reserve for use if you can't fall off would be great.

[deerhound]

If you are already balding, go ahead and shave your whole head. Sleep techs LOVE bald guys!

[jweeks]

Really, ask your MD for a tranquilizer to make you sleep. You really, really may need it. I didn't and I seriously regret it.

Hi,

I'll second that one. The thing is that you get wired up with electrodes, straps, and clips. It can be hard to move around and hard to get comfortable. A sleep study is expensive enough and hard enough to get scheduled that you really want it to go well. The sleep aid only costs a buck or two, so might as well have it handy just in case you have trouble sleeping.

-john-

[babytalk]

If you are already balding, go ahead and shave your whole head. Sleep techs LOVE bald guys!

HaHa! You are funny!

I was told to bring comfortable, loose nightclothes because the "leads" were going to be snaked up from my legs to be bundled with the other leads from my chest, stomach, and head. I am really glad I chose a night gown instead of my normal top & bottom PJ's. I was also told to bring my favorite pillow, and unlike another poster, I was told to bring a book to read while waiting to be hooked up. My dr. did prescribe a sleep aid (0.5 mg of Zanax) mostly because I am a Nervous Nellie and was incredibly worried I wouldn't be able to sleep. I took it when the tech came in to start applying the electrodes and wires. I guess it took about 45 minutes for me to get hooked up and finally be able to climb into the bed. The next morning, the tech told me it took me all of seven minutes to fall asleep! I actually had one of the best night's sleep of my entire life!

I was warned that the tech wouldn't be able to really discuss the results of my sleep study, but she was able to tell me that I reached REM several times, had multiple arousals and "you moved your legs aLOT." She told me that I'd probably be back to try a C-Pap machine.

I actually found the whole experience to be a very positive one, and I hope you will, too!

[jweeks]

The next morning, the tech told me it took me all of seven minutes to fall asleep!

Hi,

That can often be a symptom of a sleep disorder (falling asleep very quickly). The reason that with something like OSA, you don't get quality sleep, so you are really tired all the time. Getting to sleep is no trick, rather, it is staying asleep that is the issue. In my study, I woke up over 100 times per hour. I used to get to sleep very, very quickly, just never got any worthwhile sleep.

-john-

[Sir NoddinOff]

I'm so jealous of people who can just bop into the sleep lab and conk out. In my case, I'm twitching and squirming all over the place... hating the sensors and the test environment. I think its a sort of lab coat syndrome. I don't even like strange motel rooms, tho I can tolerate camping in tents and stuff like that (go figure). If they give me drugs to sleep then that suppresses my apnea events. If I don't take sleeping pills etc, then it becomes a whole night of sleep wake junk with inconclusive results. I guess I'll have to explore the brave new world of 'home sleep testing'. Oh yea, just what I need ... a new adventure in sleep apnea