Because most of the warning signs happen while you’re at rest, sleep disorders are one category of conditions that can be very hard to diagnose. You may notice strange symptoms during the day, like constantly feeling tired even though you thought you got a full night’s sleep. If you share a room with a partner, maybe they’ve heard you snore or gasp for air but if you room alone, you may never know this is happening. Unfortunately, without undergoing a sleep study, there’s no to know for sure what’s really going on. If your dentist or doctor has recommended a sleep study, here’s what you can expect, and why you can “rest assured” that help is on the way!
Clinical vs. In-Home Sleep Studies
There are two types of sleep studies: in-home and clinical. Both are capable of yielding accurate, useful results. With an in-home test, your dentist will send you home with a device to wear while you sleep. This will record your sleep patterns through a device you wear on your wrist which is connected to a finger monitor. These are ideal for patients with mild apnea symptoms and who do not have any other serious medical conditions.
Clinical studies require the patient to stay overnight at a sleep clinic, where their brain and heart activity will be monitored while they sleep. These are best for patients who are severely overweight or obese or who have severe sleep apnea symptoms. This is because with an in-office test, it is easier to collect more comprehensive data. Furthermore, obesity also increases your risk of many other sleep disorders besides OSA, and a clinical study is better equipped to identify these.
How Can I Prepare for a Sleep Study?
The great news is that a sleep study isn’t like one of those midterm exams you took in high school, so there’s no need to “cram” or do any serious preparation in advance. Here are some ways you can get a head start:
- You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a few weeks before your test to track your sleep schedule. Be sure to bring it to your next appointment.
- Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking in case you need to stop them prior to your test.
- Before your study, gather your information like insurance cards and any paperwork needed.
- For a clinical test, prepare an overnight bag with some toiletries, pajamas, and a change of clothing for the next day. You can even pack a favorite pillow or blanket!
- Do not have any caffeine or alcohol on the day of your sleep study, and do not take a nap that day, either. Be sure to eat meals at their normal times before heading to the sleep clinic or to your bed for an in-home test.
Once your sleep study has concluded, your team will discharge you and schedule your return appointment, or if you have done a home-based study, you will come in the next day to drop off your equipment and they will arrange your follow up then. At your next visit, they will go over the data from your study, present you with an official diagnosis, and recommend next steps. These could include additional testing or a treatment plan.
Remember, a sleep study is nothing to worry about. It is done so your doctor or dentist can determine the reason for your symptoms so that you can get the safest and most effective treatment possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming testing, please feel free to reach out to your team for help.
About Our Practice
At Star Sleep & Wellness Frisco, our team of board-certified sleep specialists wants to help you get your best night’s sleep ever, but the first step to any treatment is an accurate diagnosis. If you’re ready to get the rest you deserve, a sleep test is the best way to determine the right way to help. To schedule a sleep test, please visit our website or call us today at 844-409-4657.