In this post, Dr. Ivan Stein of TMJ & Airway Associates answers your questions about sleep studies.

Why should I have a sleep study conducted?

Quality restful sleep is important to your physical and mental well-being. If you have a sleep disorder, it can adversely affect nearly every part of your life, including your work, relationships, mood and outlook. You may feel chronically tired, depressed, anxious or as though you are unable to live life to the fullest.

The first step toward treating a sleep disorder is identifying the exact disorder and its severity. An overnight sleep study will reveal the root cause of your sleeping problems and help in the creation of a treatment plan.

What happens during a sleep study?

A sleep study involves using special equipment to record the activity of your body during various stages of sleep and wakefulness. Electrodes and other sensors are attached to different parts of your body to record your brainwave activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm and other functions. A sleep technician monitors you throughout the night and is available if you need assistance.

Is a sleep study invasive?

No, the test is not invasive or painful at all. Sleep centers usually recommend bringing your own pillow, a cozy pair of pajamas and your favorite reading material to make you more comfortable as you prepare for sleep.

How do I prepare for a sleep study?

On the day of your sleep study, do not nap or consume caffeine after noon. You should shower and eat dinner before arriving at the sleep lab. Bring your toothbrush, any medicines you take at night and a change of clothing for the next day.

What if I can’t sleep during the study?

It is very common to feel concerned about falling and staying asleep during a study. However, you will have a private, clean room that is kept dark and quiet for optimal sleep. Most of the time, patients fall asleep without difficulty.

How do I get the results of my sleep study?

At the conclusion of your sleep study, a sleep physician will review your data in conjunction with your medical history, and provide his or her findings to you and your doctor. The results will guide the treatment planning process.

Call or Email Us Today

If you think you are a candidate for a sleep study, please contact TMJ & Airway Associates. We can provide you with more information about the referral process and scheduling your sleep exam.

The post Answering Your Questions About Sleep Studies appeared first on TMJ & Airway Associates.

A sleep study is a non-invasive overnight test in which sleep specialists monitor your brain and body while you sleep. Sleep studies can be performed to look for signs of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, periodic limb movement disorder and other sleep disorders. The information gathered during a sleep study can help you get diagnosed and properly treated for problems affecting your sleep.

Read on as Dr. Ivan Stein of TMJ & Airway Associates breaks down what you need to know about sleep studies.

What to Expect During a Sleep Study

You will report to a hospital or sleep laboratory a few hours before bedtime to get ready for the study. You should bring your pajamas, personal items related to sleep and prescription medications you normally take at bedtime. If you think it will help you relax, you can also bring your own pillow.

When you arrive at the sleep study, you will be escorted to a room with a comfortable bed, television and private bathroom. A sleep technician will hook you up to equipment that monitors your breathing, oxygen level and sleep patterns. Sensors will adhere to your chest, head, face and possibly legs. A belt may be placed around your chest and abdomen and a probe around your finger. Don’t worry; the equipment may look uncomfortable, but it does not cause any pain and can be easily removed the next morning.

The room will be dark and quiet. You can read or watch television until your normal bedtime. As you sleep, the sleep technician will monitor the data coming from the sensors. If you need to use the bathroom, the technician is available to help you with the monitoring equipment.

Early the next morning, you will wake up and the technician will remove the sensors. You may be asked to answer some questions or complete a questionnaire. Once you leave the sleep center, the information gathered during the night will be interpreted and the results sent to your doctor. You will have a follow-up appointment to discuss the results and what they mean for your health.

For more information about undergoing a sleep study to confirm or rule out sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Stein and the team at TMJ & Airway Associates today.

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