Adventures in a Sleep Study

How many of us remember thinking everything was OK? That the sleep we got was good enough. Yeah, maybe I was a little tired. Or maybe I just didn't sleep so well tonight – it will get better. Hopefully, I will get caught up this weekend!

But as time went on, there were more and more nights of not getting fully rested, which caused more tiredness. How long would this last?  When would the tiredness stop!?

The effects of untreated sleep apnea

So then you tried to get on a routine and have something to help you sleep, whether that be in a medicinal form or some form of relaxation before bed. And you were sleeping better but still not resting. You needed something to keep you awake – either in a medicinal form or lots of caffeine!

The longer time went on without getting good rest, the more problems that seemed to arise. Then the ability to get things done or the desire faded. Everything was just a hassle. And you would think, Well, apparently this is just what it's like to be an adult! Nobody ever warned us!

Talking to a doctor about your sleep

Maybe you went in to talk to your doctor about being tired all the time, or maybe your doctor just realized that you needed a sleep study based on some of the things they were seeing.

Do you remember when the doctor said something about a sleep study? Even if you're the one who said you were tired, thinking Do I really need this? – possibly putting it off because it didn't seem that important! A sleep study... just another thing doctors do to get your money, right?!

What to expect during a sleep study

First, the appointment was made for the sleep study. Then, you showed up with your suitcase for the night, thinking This is weird. It's like going to a hotel for no real reason. But at the same time, it's like going to a hospital (again, for no reason).

Looking around your room

You walk into the room for the night, answering a few questions. Also, the technician lets you know there are cameras, and they literally watch you sleep all night long! Pack something to sleep in; clothing is required!

Getting ready for bed

So, after getting ready for bed (kind of like your normal routine at home), the technician comes back and hooks you up with all kinds of wires, from the top of your head to your feet. Then you get in bed with all that stuff on. While giving you a call light, they let you know not to get out of bed without using the call light so that they can unplug you.

Then you sleep!?

In the morning, you get up. Again, do your normal routine because you are ready to go — just another day from there.                   

Waiting for the results

Now it's just waiting for the results, which all depends on where you have the sleep study done along with the doctors involved. If your primary ordered the sleep study, then a neurologist reads it and sends the results to your primary. If a neurologist ordered it, then they can give you the results themselves.

What was your sleep study experience like? What advice would you share with others who are preparing to have one? Let us know in the comments below!