How sleep studies are conducted in Sleep labs?

The situations that interrupt sleep emerge within the body itself, hence they can be identified only by a sleep physician with the help of a diagnostic sleep study test.

Additionally, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder that needs to be discussed with a sleep physician on priority. Since the problem is related to shortness of breath or snoring, it is a good idea to take your sleep partner who has noticed you with periods of apnea (obstructed breathing) for sleep study or sleep apnea test.

Some of these tests are performed with take-home equipments, while others are performed in sleep labs. Obviously, the studies that took place in labs are more comprehensive and detailed than their take-home counterparts.

Now, when your doctor recommends you to undergo a sleep study test, what should you expect? Even though you will feel anxious, we want you to take a few moments to read on and lay those fears to rest.

Why go for sleep study test?

Since now, your sleep has been a mystery to you; you are not sure why you are not sleeping well or feel restless during the day time. A thorough sleep study test will reveal all the secrets about what exactly happens when you sleep. The data recorded during the session will help your physician detect the cause of your sleep problem so that he can take steps to improve.

Before you go on a sleep study test

• Before leaving for a sleep apnea test, make sure you have not consumed caffeine in the afternoon or evening. This will also include coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Try not to take any naps that day
• Avoid applying any hair sprays, oils or gels as they may interfere with the sensors during sleep test.
• Prepare an overnight bag with comfortable nigh wear, clothes for the morning, in short the items you would take for a stay at hotel. Don’t forget to pack in your medicines; you never skip a day without.

What Will Happen At the Sleep Center?

You will be asked to arrive at the sleep center at a definite time in the evening for polysomnography test. A technologist will lead you to the room and show you the equipment on which the sleep study test has to be performed. You are free to discuss any recent sleep changes and problems with the sleep expert guiding you. You may also be required to fill few papers at this point of time. You can then, change into your night clothes and make yourself feel as comfortable as in the bedroom at your home.

• To conduct a sleep study test, sensors will be applied to your head and body with a mild adhesive. These small metal discs are electrodes. These are connected to a computer to record the signs of your sleep.
• A clip on your finger will monitor your heart rate and the oxygen level in your blood.
• Flexible elastic belts are tied around your chest and abdomen to measure your breathing. The wires are long enough to let you move around and turn over in bed.

None of these equipments are painful. They are designed to be as comfortable as possible.

After everything is fixed up, you will perform a test to make sure everything is in working order. You can even start by reading a book or watching Television until you feel sleepy. Lights are then turned off and you can go to sleep.

The technologist will monitor your sleep all night long in the nearby room with computers and equipments. A low-light camera may also be used to record your sleep for later review. This will also allow your doctor to see any unusual movements or behavior that may occur in your body when you are asleep.