Along with a whole host of other serious health concerns, smokers are very likely to snore. This means that you are not only damaging most of your internal organs by smoking, you are also greatly hindering your body’s ability to naturally repair itself while you sleep. It definitely shouldn’t surprise you that smoking causes snoring [...]
Your Sleep Study: What to expect
Generally, sleep studies are performed at a different location than your doctor’s office. Sleep studies can cost about $3000 to $6000 dollars on average, and are usually picked up by your insurance when prescribed by a doctor. The specifics of various sleep clinics may vary but here we’ll go over a general idea of what you should expect.
You will be able to schedule a time and location that is convenient for you. Generally, you will be arriving at the sleep lab some time between 9 and 11 pm. From this point, you may be asked to wait if the technicians are assisting another client.
Some sleep clinics are a lot like hotel rooms, a few separate private rooms with a bed and a television, and a private or shared bathroom. Others are in less luxurious settings that more closely reflect a hospital room. The former will probably be more expensive but do your research and call ahead to find out the specifics of your sleep clinic. Your insurance may cover either one, don’t forget to ask the questions and find out your options. You may get more accurate results if you are more comfortable.
Once you are shown your room, you will be asked to get ready for bed and lie down to wait for the technician. When he arrives, he will begin to prepare the equipment necessary for taking your readings over night. If this is your first sleep study, you will probably not be using a CPAP for the night. The technician will then begin affixing small electrical probes to your face and chest with a type of glue-putty that will hold them on during the night. You may also be asked to wear a small tube that goes slightly into your nostrils to measure your nasal airflow during the night. This may also come in the form of a belt that expands and contracts as you breathe.
When the technician is finished, he or she will leave the room and it is time for you to sleep. This may be a little awkward as you will be covered in wires, but as you’re there to study your sleep, it is necessary. If you believe you’re going to have some problems falling asleep, have a look at some of these tips. During the night, the technicians will monitor you and keep a log of all of the information provided by the various machines you are hooked up to. They also may be videotaping you to measure your nocturnal movements. They will probably instruct you on how to quickly disconnect some of the wires from the machines if you need to get up for any reason, or they will give you a way to signal them if you need any assistance.
In the morning, generally fairly early, the sleep technician will wake you up and disconnect all of the wires. After you leave, the sleep lab will collect your results and forward them to your doctor for interpretation. You will be asked to schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your doctor.
All in all, this is a fairly painless and necessary procedure. As stated before, make sure you do your research on the specific center you are going to before you schedule your appointment. It may be a little uncomfortable, but it is a very important first step in diagnosing your sleep disorder.
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Tips for falling asleep during a sleep study.