A sleep study is a medical test used to measure your sleep patterns and to diagnose certain health conditions. Sleep studies can include a single, multiple, or complex study. This test can measure several factors, including the amount of sleep you get in a night, how long you stay awake, and whether you have irregular sleep patterns. The tests can be used to help diagnose narcolepsy, insomnia, or just normal daytime sleepiness.
Exploring the Science of Sleep
Sleep studies are done in a sleep center or a stand-alone lab. Accredited sleep centers have strict safety and technical standards. The technicians who perform these studies are often affiliated with medical institutions or sleep specialists, who are qualified to assess your sleeping habits and make treatment recommendations. Additionally, sleep centers employ technicians who are board-certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. These technicians are trained to follow strict safety guidelines and are trained in CPR procedures.
Unlocking the Power of Sleep Studies
Most people do not experience difficulty sleeping during a sleep study. Most patients report that they get enough sleep, and that the test has helped them get a more accurate diagnosis. The data collected from sleep studies can also help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms. A sleep study can help determine the best course of treatment for any sleep disorder. Whether you are suffering from insomnia, excessive sleepiness, or any other sleep problem, a sleep study can help find the root cause.
Understanding the Costs and Procedure of Sleep Studies
While the cost of a sleep study may put some people off, the costs vary from one patient to another, and they depend on the type of testing and the facility performing the test. Smaller sleep study clinics usually charge less than large hospital systems, but check with your health insurance provider to see if they cover it. You will need to prepare for a sleep study, and it will take 45-60 minutes for the test. If you suffer from seizures, you may need to wait 90 to 120 minutes for a complete sleep study to detect the problem.
The test begins with the patient lying on a bed. A recording device will be connected to the patient’s bed through a cable in the monitoring room. A technician will speak to the patient over a two-way intercom system to check the recordings. The technician will ask the patient to do a series of maneuvers, such as opening and closing his or her eyes, holding his or her breath, and moving his or her eyes. After the procedure, the technician will monitor your sleeping patterns.
Decoding Sleep Patterns
During a sleep study, electrodes are placed on your head and body. They measure your brain waves, your movement, and your oxygen levels. In most cases, the electrodes are attached with surgical tape or cotton gauze. The technician will monitor you from another room, and they will be able to help you if you wake up. However, if you take sleep medications, the results of a sleep study may be affected by these effects.