What To Expect Before A Sleep Study (It’s Not As Bad As You Think)

woman sleeping

What To Expect Before A Sleep Study (It’s Not As Bad As You Think)

A sleep study is certainly one of those activities you may be feeling skeptical about partaking in. However, a sleep study is just a basic diagnosis and treatment, which really isn’t as gripping as one may think. After all, a sleep study is non-invasive and allows doctors a closer look at what may be interrupting your sleep. Here is an overview of the three types of sleep studies, and what to expect.

Polysomnogram

sleep study

First is a polysomnogram, an overnight sleep study that records brain activity, eye movements, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and so on. This is useful for diagnosing a sleep study like sleep apnea and other parasomnias.

Sleep Latency Test

Next is a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) this is a sleep study conducted during the day to measure how sleepy you get or to ascertain whether breathing disorder treatments are working properly.

Maintenance of Wakefulness Test

Finally, there is the maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT). This is a daytime awake study that measures how alert you are during the day and your ability to stay awake.

Preparation

You must be wondering how prepared you ought to be before coming in for the test. There is really no strict routine to follow before coming in. In fact, wearing your favorite pajamas to a sleep study at the hospital is a great way to normalize the experience and calm your nerves.

Certain devices used during your sleep study can include surface electrodes, a belt to measure your breathing, and an oximeter probe to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. All completely harmless, and pain-free!

A sleep study is a great way to diagnose sleep disorders that could interfere with your daily life. It’s a great idea to talk to your doctor to find out if a sleep evaluation is necessary. And if it is, remember, it’s painless, safe, and the path that will bring you to restful sleep.

Be relaxed and tackle this.