What to Expect During an In-lab Sleep Study
If you’ve been referred by your doctor to take a sleep test, chances are you’re probably wondering what you’re getting yourself into. Let’s talk about what you need to know before you walk into a sleep study lab.
What is the purpose of a sleep study?
Sleep studies measure the quality of your night’s rest and examine your body for any sleeping disorders, as well as the severity of any issues you may possess. Wires with electrode tips will be painlessly applied to you to analyze important factors including:
- REM,
- Brain waves,
- Oxygen levels,
- Breathing regulation and respiration,
- Heart rate,
- and even snoring.
What actually happens during the study?
Testing rooms are carefully designed to make you feel comfortable as reasonably possible. Your sole duty is to relax when under our care. Feel free to wear comfortable clothes and something to keep you preoccupied, such as a book. There will be doctors and staff in the back room studying the feedback that the electrodes provide while video cameras survey your room.
How long will I have to be at the lab?
Visits will differ depending on personal preference, but typically patients arrive late at night (approximately 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM) and leave in the morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM). Your time spent at the sleep lab will produce an enormous amount of data about your habits. Afterwards, there will be a follow up with to review if any issues exist and what can be done about them.
What type of problems would a sleep study be able to identify?
Sleep studies track your movement to properly identify sleep disorders such as seizures or sleep apnea. They will also grant detailed insight into your night-time routine, measuring the quality and quantity of the sleep you get.