Diagnosis
What is a Sleep Study?
What is a Sleep Study?If you have trouble sleeping or have a lot of loud or disruptive snoring your healthcare provider may advise asleep study.This test monitors your breathing, brain waves, and other health data while you sleep. Your healthcare providerwill decide where the study will be performed. It can be done at a hospital, sleep center, or at your home.A sleep study can diagnose sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, which is when you stop breathingover and over again during the night. Before the test, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all themedicines you take. You may need to stop taking certain medicines beforehand.On the night before, you can eat normally. But don’t drink caffeinated products like coffee and soda. And don’thave any alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep and affect the test results.Take a shower and wash your hair with shampoo only. Don’t use any makeup, lotions, hair spray, or gel.These products could affect the stickiness of the sensors used in the study.If the study is performed at a hospital or sleep center, pack an overnight bag. You can take your own pillow,too, if you wish.When you arrive for the test, a technician will glue about two-dozen sensors to your scalp, temples, chest, andlegs. The sensors are attached with wires to a computer. They will be long enough to let you move while yousleep. A clip on your finger will measure your blood oxygen level during sleep.The technician will monitor you from a nearby room while you sleep. And a video camera might also be on torecord your movements. In addition to your blood oxygen level, the test will record measurements includingyour brain waves, heart rate, and eye and leg movements.If your breathing stops repeatedly during the night, the technician may put a CPAP device on you. This devicehas a mask that you wear while you sleep. It uses gentle flowing air to keep your airway open. In the earlymorning, you’ll be awakened and can go home.After the sleep study is done, your healthcare provider will go over the test results with you. If you have anyquestions or concerns, talk with your provider. They are on hand to help you decide on the best treatment ornext steps.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
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