Do you snore at night? Do you tend to doze off or fall asleep easily during the day? Have you or others noticed a change in your personality or moods? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you might have a sleep disorder. While missing a few hours of sleep now and then won’t cause significant damage, chronic sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), etc. can negatively impact every aspect of your life. These sleep disorders have been linked to an increase in heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression along with mood swings and poor performance at school or work.
If your lack of quality sleep is interrupting your waking hours and impacting your health, it’s time to speak with a sleep specialist. Based on your medical history, answers to sleep-related questions and the data pulled from a sleep study test, Comfort Sleep Solutions will be able to prescribe you a treatment plan that will increase the quality of your sleep, thus improving the quality of your life.
Read on to find out what a sleep study is, how to prepare for one and what to expect during and after your sleep test at our Idaho Falls sleep institute.
What Is A Sleep Study?
A sleep study, or a Polysomnography, is a type of test that is performed in order to diagnose sleep disorders. This study uses sensors and non-invasive methods to record your brain activity, blood oxygen levels, as well as your breathing and heart rate. In this way, a Polysomnography can help determine what type(s) of sleep disorder you may be suffering from.
How To Prepare For A Sleep Study Test?
After your initial Idaho Falls sleep disorder consultation, the technician will schedule a day that is convenient for you to have your sleep study done. Here are some ways that you can prepare for your sleep study on the day of the test to get the best results:
- Follow your regular diet and routine as closely as possible.
- Avoid caffeine
- Avoid alcohol, especially in the evening
- Do not wear any hair product such as gel or hairspray
- Do not nap during the day
- If you regularly take medication, you may need to stop taking it for testing. Discuss your options with your doctor.
- Bring your pajamas or a comfortable sleeping outfit and anything else that will make it easier for you to sleep at our sleep institute in Idaho Falls
What Happens During A Sleep Study Test?
Sleep studies usually happen during the night, so you should expect to arrive at your appointment sometime in the evening and be prepared to stay the night. Once you have filled out your paperwork, you will be sent to the room where the sleep study is performed. The room is very simple, usually with a basic bed, closet and a personal bathroom.
Once you are ready for bed, a technician will place the sensors on the appropriate places to read your brain activity, heart rate, limb movement, breathing, etc.
After this, you will be alone in the room for the duration of the night, unless you require anything. Using a camera, our sleep technicians will be able to monitor what happens in the room throughout the night.
Depending on the type of Idaho Falls sleep disorder you may be suffering from, such as sleep apnea, we may use a CPAP machine to increase your oxygen levels.
What To Expect After The Test
In the morning, your sensors will be removed and you will be able to make a follow-up appointment at our Idaho Falls sleep institute to discuss the results from your sleep study and potential treatment options which may include a CPAP machine or medication and possibly lifestyle changes.
Sleep affects our waking lives more than most of us are aware of. It can impact our health, our relationships, and even our safety. Everyone deserves a full night’s sleep, including you. To schedule your sleep study in Idaho Falls, contact Comfort Sleep Solutions today.