Going for a sleep study this week

[momavos]

Hello,

This is my first time posting here. I am scheduled to have a sleep study this week. I have suspected I may have sleep apnea for years now.

I am also prone to anxiety especially when under stress. I also have severe insomnia. On nights that I do sleep I wake up after 1.5 to 2 hrs feeling like I cannot breath. I feel a puff of air come from my nose and I wake up.

This makes me scared to go back to sleep. I went for a sleep study about 7-8 years ago but I couldn't sleep and the doctor didn't get enough data to give me a machine. This time he told me to take Ambien. I am very worried about this. I am thinking what if breathing problem happens I don't want to be too asleep on Ambien to wake myself? I am praying it isn't sleep apnea but if it is I need treatment ASAP.

Also about 15 years ago I was treated for Pseudo Tumor Cerebri. I talked to the Neuro-Ophthalmologist about sleep apnea and he said I should have the study but he believes the Pseudo Tumor is over.

I will need the help of the knowledgeable people here if I need the machine.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

God Bless.

[NotLazyJustTired]

Get the study done. Once you have results post them here. I was very impressed with the amount of information a good sleep lab can capture in one evening. There are some very knowledgeable folks here that can help you interpret that and recommend a machine for you. You should get a machine that is capable of logging data to help you monitor your progress. Most DMEs try to push off "bricks" which only log compliance data or other very minimal metrics.
The sleeping pill advice is poor IMHO. I always felt worse when I did this. Sleep doc told me it was because the drug tends to keep you from arousing and recovering as often so your O2 levels drop. Some folks do well with meds and CPAP, but I am staying away from that unless I really need it. CPAP is working for me. As far as the sleep study goes, don't worry, they see everything. I mean everything! You will be in good hands there for sure.

Keep us informed and we will help you along. Good luck.

[chunkyfrog]

In a laboratory sleep test, you will be monitored closely.
Tell them if you have taken a sleep aid, (only under doc's approval), and they should be prepared to take care of everything else.
If apnea is severe enough, you may qualify for a split study, where a cpap machine would be added, and therapy pressure determined.
Just avoid caffeine and naps so you get a good (?) night's rest, and the only thing left will be to get the gunk out of your hair.

[imfletch]

chunky is correct.
In the lab, you will be fine. They will monitor everything and they will know if your oxygen levels drop (and we're pretty sure they will based on what you have outlined). I always told myself I couldn't sleep with a bunch of wires and cameras, but I did.
Do not allow yourself to get anxious over this. You will be more safe in the lab than you would in your home. (Who would wake you in your home if you stopped breathing?)
Soon, you will have your diagnosis. You will most-likely join us - the hoseheads.
Shortly thereafter, you'll be feeling much better.
Hang in there.

[Blade2000]

Get the sleep study. I had my first and only 3 weeks ago. Not the most comfortable thing (so many wires connected to you) but you are closely monitored. So you will be very safe. It is better to know for sure than just assume. The study will provide them with more information to help you.

[momavos]

Thanks for the responses. I am getting anxious to have the study. I need to sleep like a normal person. I am tired of being tired.

[Drowsy Dancer]

This time he told me to take Ambien. I am very worried about this. I am thinking what if breathing problem happens I don't want to be too asleep on Ambien to wake myself?

Don't forget, you're being observed in a lab during the sleep study. If they observe you having too much difficulty with your breathing, they'll start treating it (a/k/a titration).

[Kenwood]

Maybe try something a little less strong: Tylenol PM

[ignorantone]

I really suggest taking something. Ambien is great and so is Ativan. Tylenol PM is good as well as Melatonin, which is natural. I always have problems sleeping with mask or not but the medicine really helps and it will also help you to get used to the equipment. Sleep study is interesting and nothing to be anxious about. It is something to really look forward to because you know that help is on its way by doing the study. Bed is comfortable, they have TV for you to watch or you can read for a little while. To me, the most difficult thing to get used to is the mask and picking the one that is the most comfortable for you. Good luck.

[dlanbro]

Good luck with the styudy and the sleeping. I would agree that if you have trouble going to sleep without an aid that I would take one when you have the study. I know that they want at least 6 hours of sleep to be able to study. I did my study at home about 6 weeks ago and got immediately on a machine. I've felt better than I have for as long as I can remember. My doctor isn't happy with my blood ox levels even after being put on a CPAP so I'm going for a split study tonight.
There are some really great people here and I come here often for advice, encouragement and I've talked to some very nice people here, in the forums, the chat room and in PMs (Stromynights is an absolute sweetheart). Let us know how it goes and God bless.

[stage0]

AT our facility, a pre-sleep conference is encouraged. If this is so with your's you can ask about bringing things that will help you sleep. We allow pillows, blankets, fans...even plush toys ( I know weird). Sometimes the person needs some support; so we allow someone to come for the hook-up. The person then has to leave. As stated above, sleep aids are also encouraged....no sleep means no assessment or treatment. You will also get tot see the room, see the leads and if you are lucky..meet an actual sleep tech. woo woo.

If the facility does not have a pre-sleep meeting...call and ask.

I do not see your gender...so bring PJ's that are comfy for you. I tell my patients to bring 2-piece. We have to place leads on the rib cage for heart monitoring....so a 1-piece is most practical for us. If you have a beard...consider shaving or at the least two half-inch areas just under the lower lip.

Good luck.

[momavos]

Thanks for the responses. I am a female.

[Cr1kk1t]

I am waiting to get my sleep study scheduled. I will be taking ambien when I have mine done. Like you I am tired of being tired all the time.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Cr1kk1t

[billgamble]

The day that you're going to have the sleep study get up earlier than usual. Take no naps or have any caffeine, Incl. coffee, chocolate, or any type of stimulant. Second, relax, they are trained in the the sleep study to address your needs. Look at all the people on this forum, we've all been through it. Take a book to read or some music to listen to. It's going to bed and going to sleep, something you've been doing all of your life on a nightly basis. All of the wires didn't bother me. They will make you as comfortable as possible. Tomorrow will come just as soon as it does every other day. Again, relax, take a deep breath and know that we will all be here the next day waiting to hear your experience. Good luck and God's speed!!!

[Dreamingofsleep]

Welcome Mommavos,

If you do have sleep apnea and start the cpap you may be pleasantly surprised! You may find sleep or the lack thereof may no longer be such a stressful experience. The support here is amazing. Many of us newbies have our issues, and the folks here are so great at offering encouragement and suggestions.

God bless and come back,

Dreaming