What can be improved about the sleep lab experience?

Janelle · Post by **Janelle** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:45 pm

Give us shampoo and a hair dryer to get the gunk out of our hair the next morning! Haven't had a single tech even try. They just unhook you, hand you the questionaire on how you slept and send you home.

3isles · Post by **3isles** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 9:31 pm

My studies were as good as could be expected. During the first one I could stand the wiring, all except the two little sharp things under my nose. The second one there was that terrible moment when they came at me with the mask already blowing. No way could I stand that, as long as it was turned off I could put it on then have them start it and that was only mildy terrifying. The techs were really sweet and helpful and were patient with me through mask introduction and even when at 4:30 in the morning I was about to freak out because the last one in had forgotten to leave the door open a crack. Can you say Claustrophobia? They let me sleep in whatever position, but as I spin like a top anyway I gave them good variety. They encouraged bringin my own pillow, and the room was ok for a hospital room. Not as nice as the maternity suites, but better than some hotels I've been in.

christinequilts · Post by **christinequilts** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:03 pm

Janelle wrote:Give us shampoo and a hair dryer to get the gunk out of our hair the next morning! Haven't had a single tech even try. They just unhook you, hand you the questionaire on how you slept and send you home.

My sleep lab gives you shampoo and you can take a shower in your private bath if you want to. They also have a hair dryer if you ask. Techs can get a lot of it out if they take the time. I have very long hair and after both of my sleep studies it was just easier for me to go home and wash my hair. I had a EEG as part of the workup earlier this year when I developed new onset persistant daily headaches- the test took an hour & the tech was very good about getting the gunk out of my hair and straigtening my hair up for me since they didn't have a mirror in the room.

FairSpirit · Post by **FairSpirit** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 11:24 pm

christinequilts wrote:
Janelle wrote:Give us shampoo and a hair dryer to get the gunk out of our hair the next morning! Haven't had a single tech even try. They just unhook you, hand you the questionaire on how you slept and send you home.
My sleep lab gives you shampoo and you can take a shower in your private bath if you want to. They also have a hair dryer if you ask. Techs can get a lot of it out if they take the time. I have very long hair and after both of my sleep studies it was just easier for me to go home and wash my hair. I had a EEG as part of the workup earlier this year when I developed new onset persistant daily headaches- the test took an hour & the tech was very good about getting the gunk out of my hair and straigtening my hair up for me since they didn't have a mirror in the room.

My Sleep Center each time offered for me to use the shower, there was a blow dryer, also they offered juice, coffee, and pastries eash time. My hair was long then, so I just bunched it up and showered when I got home. But as I said before, my experiences were pretty good and I was quite impressed with the sleep center I was at. But I did forget to mention, just like 3isles stated, the first study I was REALLY bothered by the nose sensor things. I'd have slept much better and longer that night if it hadn't been for those. I am really sorry to hear that some of you had a 'less than ideal' sleep center.