Doctor says sleep pill will mess up the test

[Enchanter]

If I'm not able to take it this time, I think I may be forced to take it the 3rd time around. I know that by around 6 am I'm going to be incredibly exhausted but because I have to try to sleep at 10 pm or so during the test, I won't be able to sleep tonight (technically tomorrow morning). It does make me mad that I am encouraged to do this. There is a decent chance I might even fall asleep around 6 am even if I try to stay awake. So I may have to drink soda and do all these crazy things. Even then, no guarantee I'll sleep in the test. It really is starting to make me mad. I know the 3rd time around I will take the pill if I have to. It's not my fault, it's their policy that is starting to make me think this is ridiculous and they don't care one bit.

[49er]

If I'm not able to take it this time, I think I may be forced to take it the 3rd time around. I know that by around 6 am I'm going to be incredibly exhausted but because I have to try to sleep at 10 pm or so during the test, I won't be able to sleep tonight (technically tomorrow morning). It does make me mad that I am encouraged to do this. There is a decent chance I might even fall asleep around 6 am even if I try to stay awake. So I may have to drink soda and do all these crazy things. Even then, no guarantee I'll sleep in the test. It really is starting to make me mad. I know the 3rd time around I will take the pill if I have to. It's not my fault, it's their policy that is starting to make me think this is ridiculous and they don't care one bit.

Enchanter,

Take the pill tomorrow night. It will make things lot easier. Don't wait until the third go around.

[Enchanter]

If I'm not able to take it this time, I think I may be forced to take it the 3rd time around. I know that by around 6 am I'm going to be incredibly exhausted but because I have to try to sleep at 10 pm or so during the test, I won't be able to sleep tonight (technically tomorrow morning). It does make me mad that I am encouraged to do this. There is a decent chance I might even fall asleep around 6 am even if I try to stay awake. So I may have to drink soda and do all these crazy things. Even then, no guarantee I'll sleep in the test. It really is starting to make me mad. I know the 3rd time around I will take the pill if I have to. It's not my fault, it's their policy that is starting to make me think this is ridiculous and they don't care one bit.

Enchanter,

Take the pill tomorrow night. It will make things lot easier. Don't wait until the third go around.

That's why I'm getting insight from u guys. Does it affect number of sleep arousals? I got to decide fast. What does it change?

[Darth Lady]

And if you decide to take a pill, do it in the bathroom and don't keep it on the bedside table (keep it in a pajama pocket or like that instead), because those cameras are on all the time, and you might be seen taking it in the bedroom, or taking it off the table to go to the bathroom with it.

When I had my studies, I always let them wire me up, and then went to the bathroom shortly before lights out. Perfect chance! I didn't need pills, but if I had to take one, I would have done it then.

I'm so puzzled by how the sleep lab and doctor are treating you. Somehow, sometime soon I hope you find doctors who are more concerned about you and what you need, and less about themselves and what they like.

It's your life and your health. Good luck!

[Julie]

No one can predict precisely how one pill will react on any patient, let alone you with your history of insomnia, anxiety, past med history, etc., but it's unlikely to do a lot more than just (hopefully) make you sleepy and be mostly worn off by morning. It's not something that would cause a huge, unexpected reaction, as some other things might, which is why it's the #1 pill used in these situations.

[Enchanter]

No one can predict precisely how one pill will react on any patient, let alone you with your history of insomnia, anxiety, past med history, etc., but it's unlikely to do a lot more than just (hopefully) make you sleepy and be mostly worn off by morning. It's not something that would cause a huge, unexpected reaction, as some other things might, which is why it's the #1 pill used in these situations.

I'm leaning towards doing it. The other option would be to skip sleep tonight, tomorrow morning and show up miserable.

It's the #1 pill used in these situations? It's not going to make someone with OSA show he has no OSA, right?

And I have to tell you, that the lady that works at the tech told me no one takes it. It's weird, because she encouraged me to take it but after calling me back ( I told her the doc said it changes the results) she told me that no one takes it and that it changes the results. So this is very confusing. This is very important I get accurate info.

[Julie]

No, it will not skew the study results. Not. And for heaven's sake find yourself another doctor - the one you have, for all the trouble you had finding him, is seriously ignorant about something he should be very aware of. Just not a good situation, but please believe we have no agenda here except to help, and the people who've helped you most have loads of experience and knowledge and only want to see you do well... at very worst, not get messed up in the study because of something so moronically simple as a little pill that will relax you. All the best!

[LSAT]

There has been at least a half dozen people tell you that their doctor gave them sleep meds prior to their sleep test. Ther are probably dozens more that are not part of this discussion. No one that I can tell has said that the pill had a negative effect on their test.

[Enchanter]

Okay, I'm most likely going to take it. As of now I'm going to take your word for it and the doctor hasn't done anything to help me except say good luck. If anyone on here believes the pill won't be good for my particular test, please share your thoughts.

[postitnote]

Okay, I'm most likely going to take it. As of now I'm going to take your word for it and the doctor hasn't done anything to help me except say good luck. If anyone on here believes the pill won't be good for my particular test, please share your thoughts.

What pill will you take? You said the doctor won't prescribe one so what pill do you have? You just need to relax!

[Julie]

He's talking about big bad Ambien!

[Enchanter]

Okay, I'm most likely going to take it. As of now I'm going to take your word for it and the doctor hasn't done anything to help me except say good luck. If anyone on here believes the pill won't be good for my particular test, please share your thoughts.

What pill will you take? You said the doctor won't prescribe one so what pill do you have? You just need to relax!

Ambien

[Enchanter]

Just spoke with my friend who is a medic. He suspects that my particular plan doesn't cover certain things and the doctor is not telling me that.

[Julie]

That would be close to malpractice if true.

[Enchanter]

That would be close to malpractice if true.

Well, I'm not implying that. I hope he has no agenda.