Do You Need a Sleep Study?: Sleep disorders affect a large number of Americans. You can have insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome, to name a few, as sleep disorders. In the course of a sleep study doctors diagnose these conditions. They may monitor sleeping patterns via a sleep study and find the most effective treatment.
Should you have trouble falling asleep, you may need to obtain a sleep study. However, how does one get it? Here is a guide that will take you through the process step by step and will help you understand.
1. Talk to Your Doctor
The first thing that needs to be done is to go to your family doctor who ought to be approached first. Please, let them know about your sleep issues. If you snore too loud, feel tired during the day ,or frequently wake up at night these could be the symptoms of a sleep disorder. After your symptoms have been evaluated by your doctor, he will determine whether or not a sleep study is required.
Normally your insurance provider will need a doctor’s justification for the test to be covered. Your doctor will recommend a sleep specialist or a sleep center if hosting a sleep study is the best way out.
2. Types of Sleep Studies
There are two types of sleep studies,
In-Lab Sleep Study (Polysomnography)
- Is done in the night at a sleep center.
- Breathing, oxygen saturation, brain waves, and heart rate are tracked down by sensors.
- Is the most accurate way to diagnose severe sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or movement disorders.
Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)
- Homework with sensors that you take h
- Breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are recorded using portable sensors.
- Is the most accurate way to confirm obstructive sleep apnea.
Regarding your symptoms, your healthcare provider will suggest the most appropriate study to be taken by you.
3. Schedule Your Sleep Study
Once the doctor refers you, you need to make an appointment for a test. You will be contacted by a sleep center or home sleep test provider. If your insurance requires pre-approval, call your provider so as not to have any surprises.
4. Preparing for the Sleep Study
To get a precise report, try to follow these tips before your test.
- On the testing date, do not drink caffeine or alcohol.
- Be sure to maintain your normal routine before bedtime.
- Avoid the habit of day sleep.
- Wash yourself before the test, still, do not use lotions or makeup that might interfere with the sensors.
- Come dressed in comfortable clothes if you go for an in-lab study.
5. What Happens During the Sleep Study?
In-Lab Sleep Study:
- A room will be provided to you in a private setting and it will not be different from a hotel room.
- A specialist will stick sensors that will follow brain activity, breathing, and movement.
- During a sleep apnea examination, CPAP treatment might be suggested by a doctor to make the breathing process easier.
Home Sleep Apnea Test:
- You will get the kit that has the instructions on the usage of sensors.
- The gadget will chart your breathing and oxygen levels while asleep.
- Hand over the device the following day for an evaluation and findings.
6. Understanding the Costs
The cost of a sleep study will vary according to its type and location.
- In-lab sleep studies: $1,000 to $10,000 (insurance can bring costs down to the lowest).
- Home sleep tests: $150 to $500 (these are cheaper but do not provide a wide range of diagnosis).
- Reducing daytime sleepiness.
- Improving focus and energy levels.
- Lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Preventing accidents caused by drowsy driving.
7. Getting Your Results
After that, a sleep specialist will examine your test information. The results will be reviewed and discussed with you by your doctor. In the event of sleep apnea being the issue, a CPAP machine may be prescribed to help you breathe in your sleep. If insomnia is the cause, lifestyle changes or medication may be the options to be chosen.
8. The Benefits of a Sleep Study
Carrying out a sleep study may be the game-changing way to prolong your health and improve your life. The sleep disorders treatments help to:
- Decreasing the time you are sleepy during the day.
- Bettering concentration and vitality.
- Diminishing the likelihood of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Consequently, accidents due to drowsy driving will also be avoided.
If you deal with sleep disorders, respect them, and treat them, try not to downplay the symptoms. By a sleep study, you can diagnose the problems and get the right remedies. In the first place, talk to your doctor. The more you handle the problem of sleep, the better the general health will be.