Do you often feel excessively sleepy during the day? Do you snore loudly or have periods of interrupted breathing during sleep? You may be an ideal candidate for a sleep study.
Sleep studies are tests used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. We will answer five frequently asked questions about sleep studies.
1. What Is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study, known as a polysomnogram, is a test that measures your brainwaves, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing during sleep. This information helps healthcare providers diagnose and treat various sleep disorders, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and more.
2. Who Should Get a Sleep Study?
Here are some symptoms that may indicate a sleep study in El Centro is necessary:
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Excessive daytime fatigue, regardless of the amount of time spent in bed
• Morning headaches
• Waking up short of breath with chest pain or palpitations
• Loud snoring
• Unexplained changes in mood or behavior
• Memory or concentration problems
• Bed partners notice pauses in breathing during sleep.
If you have any of these symptoms, you must speak with your doctor about a possible referral for a sleep study. Your doctor can provide personalized advice and help determine the best action.
3. How Is a Sleep Study Conducted?
A sleep study is conducted in an overnight laboratory setting. The patient will be connected to a series of sensors and electrodes that monitor their physiological activity while sleeping. This includes measuring brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, muscle activity, eye movement, body position, and snoring. A technician monitors the data throughout the night and provides the patient with any adjustments that may be needed. In addition, video surveillance is also used to monitor sleep habits and behaviors such as nodding off during the day, eating in bed, and talking in their sleep. The data collected from the study is sent to a doctor for evaluation and interpretation and helps to diagnose any underlying sleeping disorders or conditions.
4. How To Prepare for a Sleep Study?
Patients should come prepared for the sleep study by following some simple guidelines. First, they should avoid napping and drinking caffeine or alcohol before their appointment. Second, they should wear comfortable clothing in layers to adjust if needed. Finally, patients should plan to arrive at the clinic about an hour before their scheduled sleep time to complete paperwork and get settled in for the night.
5. Is the Test Painful?
No, the sleep study is not painful. The sensors and electrodes used during the test are non-invasive and have no adverse effects on the patient. The only discomfort that may be experienced is lying flat on one’s back for a long time, which can lead to minor soreness or pressure points.
Final Words
Call Vo Medical Center, which also offers urgent care in EL Centro, California. We provide a variety of sleep studies to help diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Our experienced team is here to answer any questions about sleep studies and help guide you on your journey to better health. With technological advances, most treatments can be completed non-invasively with minimal discomfort.