What is a sleep study?
A sleep study is a test where all your physical activities while you were sleeping will be electronically transmitted and recorded. This is also called a polysomnogram (PSG). The results of the recorded data will then be analyzed by qualified doctor in order to check if you have a sleep disorder or not.
When you go for a sleep study test, the sleep center will ask you to follow some instructions regarding your meals, medications and other concerns so that these will not interfere with the results of your test. You may be asked to stay away from caffeine or alcohol for example as these can interfere with your sleep.
If you will submit yourself to a sleep study center for a night, you will usually be asked to bring your own things like pajamas, toothbrush and other personal necessities. You may even be asked to bring your own pillow so you will be comfortable. The sleep center will provide you with a private bedroom where you can perform your nightly chores and feel at home.
You will most likely see the monitoring area where the sleeping patterns of patients who are undergoing through a sleep study test are being monitored through computers, video and print outs. The technicians are also available in case you need to ask questions without you having to leave your room.
Sleep centers may look like a room in the hospital, a hotel or your own bedroom. Patients at a sleep study center can choose the type of bedtime activities like reading a book or magazine, or viewing a television. The technicians will see to it that the room temperature suits your personal preference to make you relax.
You can perform your nightly routine like going to the bathroom to shower and change, brush your teeth and do other chores before the technicians will set you up with several items like belts, oximeter, electrodes and other hook-up paraphernalia. These items play different roles in monitoring your sleep patterns and activities while you were sleeping. The results can be analyzed if you have a sleep disorder, and if so, how severe is the case.
A sleep study records everything from the activities of the brain waves, the muscle activities like face twitches, leg movements and even teeth grinding. Rapid eye movements are also recorded as well as the rate and rhythm of the heart, the airflow, your breath temperature, your breathing depths, blood oxygen saturation, snoring, and all positions of and movements of your body while you were asleep. All the body movements both external and internal will be recorded for analysis during your sleep.
A sleep study test is helpful in determining if you have a sleep disorder because if you know you do, you can start finding solutions for it. If you are not aware of any sleep problems, you can’t be treated and you may be doomed towards years of sleeping disorders when you could have fitful sleeps every night.
Difficulty Sleeping Tip #1
Caffeine is only your friend during the morning hours. Even though you might not think that caffeine affects you very much, it does play a big part in your body's ability to settle down and rest at the end of the day. If you must have coffee, switch to decaf after lunch. Caffeine can affect your body for up to eight hours. The longer it has to leave your system the less likely it is to affect your sleeping habits. |
Difficulty Sleeping Tip #2
Exercise will not wear you out; it will actually pump you up. Exercise actually gives people energy. While you might feel tired immediately after a workout, your body will not sleep well if you try to do your workout right before bed. It is also bad for your body as a rule to go from lots of motion to staying still. This is why there are warm ups and cool downs before and after exercise workouts. |
Difficulty Sleeping Tip #3
While many of us may fall asleep while watching television, if you are having sleeping problems, you want to give yourself at least an hour before going to bed that is television free. Television is a stimulant for your brain (even if the material is not particularly scholarly in content). Watching it right before bed keeps you awake and it takes a while for your brain to wind down after you turn the television off. |
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