Sleep is essential to your overall health and well-being. Poor sleep has been linked to a number of other health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and higher levels of anxiety and depression. If you are struggling to get a good night’s rest, you may benefit from participating in an overnight sleep study.
What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a test that helps diagnose various sleep disorders by monitoring you while you sleep. It records your heart rate, breathing and brain waves. It also monitors your blood oxygen levels and tracks limb and eye movements.
Most studies are done in a sleep center or hospital. Sometimes an at-home sleep study is possible. However, it is mainly used to diagnose sleep apnea, and uses different equipment that you can set up yourself.
Who Should Have One?
If you are a heavy snorer, have trouble staying or falling asleep, or experience excessive daytime sleepiness, a sleep study can give insight as to why. Some conditions that studies can diagnose include:
- Sleep apnea
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Periodic limb movements
- Parasomnias (sleeping or talking in your sleep, or night terrors, for example)
What to Expect
Your sleep clinic will give you instructions on how to prepare the day of the test and what activities or substances to avoid so as not to interfere with your sleep recording.
Once you check in, a sleep technician will show you around your room and set you up for your study. This can take about 45-60 minutes. Once you are all hooked up, your technician will leave and let you try to relax before bed.
Your sleep technician will monitor you during your sleep and is available to help if you are experiencing any issues.
Getting Your Results
It may take several weeks to get your results. If the test confirms a sleep disorder, your doctor will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan, which might include lifestyle changes, medications or CPAP therapy.
If you are having persistent sleep issues, reach out to a Atlanta sleep specialist. The sooner you get help, the sooner your quality of life will improve.
