Before your treatment for sleep apnea begins at Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, you may be asked to undergo a sleep study. Sleep studies are usually done at a sleep laboratory, which are part of a hospital or sleep clinic.
It can sound a little strange: sleeping in an unfamiliar place, knowing that your sleep is being monitored by technicians. But they are the best way to identify sleep apnea and other disorders, like insomnia and restless leg syndrome.
What happens during a sleep study? It’s a fair question. At most sleep centers it’s okay to bring along the same things you would pack if you were spending the night in a hotel: any bedtime medications, a favorite pillow and your favorite pajamas, your toothbrush, a phone charger, something to read, and even a bedtime snack, if that’s part of your usual routine.
Your usual routine: that’s the whole idea. You’ll get the best results if you make things as normal as possible. Of course, it won’t seem normal because you’re in an unfamiliar setting. But doing things differently will probably affect the results.
Once you’re checked in and it’s bedtime, wires with tiny electrodes are attached to your scalp so that the technician can know you’re asleep. They can even tell what stage of sleep you’re in. As you may know, there are four stages of normal sleep, and most people cycle through them repeatedly during the night.
In addition to the electrodes, there will be elastic belts around your chest and stomach to measure breathing, monitors to measure heart rate, an electrode on each leg, and a small microphone to detect any snoring.
You may think: how on earth can I sleep with all that stuff on me? You’d be surprised! Most sleep study patients are able to fall asleep without much difficulty. Even if you don’t get your usual amount of sleep, most patients sleep enough for adequate amounts of information to be obtained.
A sleep study is your first step on the road to improved sleep and improved health. At Poss Sleep Apnea & TMJ Solutions in Brentwood TN, we provide diagnosis and treatment to those with sleep apnea. If you or a loved one is coping with a sleep disorder, do not hesitate: contact us today.
