If you still cannot sleep well despite keeping a sleep journal, reducing your caffeine intake, avoiding media before bedtime, and incorporating other beneficial techniques into your lifestyle, then it is in your best interest to consider having a sleep study. Also referred to as polysomnography, a sleep study is a noninvasive overnight evaluation whereby your doctor monitors you while sleeping.
The purpose of a sleep study is to observe what’s happening to both your body and your brain while you sleep. It records your blood oxygen levels, brain waves, breathing, and heart rate. It also records your leg and eye movements while sleeping.
The data from this procedure reveals a detailed picture of your sleep patterns during your slumber. With this information, the doctor will be able to address the root causes of your sleep disturbances so the issues can be treated – and you can sleep well again.
How Does a Sleep Study Work?
A sleep study is usually performed in a bedroom-looking laboratory which is located in a hospital or a sleep center. These centers are tailored to be as comfortable as possible. They achieve this by setting up regular bedroom furniture, a private bathroom, a television, and other amenities.
You are allowed and encouraged to bring items that will help you sleep more comfortably. You can even wear your own pajamas and bring your teddy bear!
You will be asked to arrive approximately two hours before your bedtime. The usual time for check-in is between 8 pm and 10 pm, and the test will finish at around 6 am to 8 am. They will want you to achieve at least seven hours of sleep.
Once you are ready for bed, a technician will place electrodes around your body to detect your bodily functions while you sleep. These sensors will not disrupt your movement, and you will still be comfortable in your various sleeping positions.
The technicians will engage a video camera and audio system to monitor your movements and the noises you make. They will also place a small clip on your finger to monitor your blood oxygen level through the night. If you are being monitored for sleep apnea, they may ask you to wear a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to see how well you sleep with it on.
The technician will wake you up once you have achieved seven hours of sleep.
Benefits of a Sleep Study
A majority of patients who undergo a sleep study will learn whether they have sleep apnea or hypopnea (slow or shallow breathing during sleep). The study enables the technicians and your doctor to determine the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). This information is helpful for your doctor to know which treatment method to give you.
Sleep Study in North Texas
The results of a sleep study can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition. If you are searching for a sleep doctor in the Weatherford and Fort Worth area, we are here for you.
Our medical team here at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas provides a multifaceted approach in all of our services, and our patients receive the most advanced treatments available today. Our goal is to improve your quality of life by helping you get better sleep and avoid developing pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact us today by calling us at (817) 594-9993 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to helping you get back to sleep at night!