Why You Should Get Evaluated at a Sleep Center
If you have problems falling asleep, staying asleep or feeling rested during the day, you are a good candidate for a sleep study. A qualified sleep center will likely recommend either an in-home sleep test or an overnight evaluation at the facility. The type of study will depend mostly on what sleep disorder is suspected in your case.
Advantages of Getting Tested at a Sleep Center
Sleep studies performed at an overnight facility are helpful when the cause of sleepless nights is unknown. Where in-home testing is effective for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep center is equipped to run polysomnogram (PSG) testing and screen for a wider range of problems. These include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, hypersomnia, circadian disorders and others in addition to sleep apnea.
What to Expect During an Overnight Sleep Test
A sleep study is most effective when it closely replicates your regular nighttime routine. It is important that technicians are able to observe your normal sleep habits and cycles in order to get the best results from testing.
On the evening of your scheduled sleep study, you should arrive after dinner, between 8:30 – 9:30 pm. Sleep center staff will be there to greet you, show you around, review the procedure and answer any questions you have at that point. You will have your own private room with a comfortable bed for the night.
A sleep center technician will ask you a few questions about your medical history and may collect some vitals, such as blood pressure, before beginning. At this point, you will be fitted with some diagnostic sensors. These are used to track and measure:
- Brain activity
- Muscle activity
- Breathing effort
- Oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Snoring
This physiological data is carefully collected during the night by a technician positioned in another room. These numbers are useful in monitoring the stages of sleep and assessing nighttime activities like teeth grinding, apnea and limb movement. The data can then be evaluated by a sleep study specialist who will use it to make a diagnosis.
The evaluation will end at 6:00 the next morning. At that point, you are free to go. About a week after the study, the sleep center will send test results directly to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to review treatment options and give you recommendations for better sleep at a follow-up appointment.
How to Fall Asleep at a Sleep Center
Actually, falling asleep and getting rest at a sleep facility is a common concern. Once the equipment has been attached to your body and calibrated if necessary, you will be encouraged to go to sleep like you would at home. This may seem difficult or uncomfortable.
In reality, most people have no problem sleeping at a sleep center despite the unusual setting. If you are one of the few people that do not get a full night of sleep, technicians are usually able to get enough data during the night to finish the test.
We suggest that you bring any medications you regularly take in the evening. You should change into comfortable pajamas or clothes that you normally wear to bed. You may also want to bring any toiletries that would make your stay more comfortable.
Feel at Home with Sleep Health Solutions
Our sleep center was designed from the beginning to make everyone feel at home. The concept of Sleep Health Solutions is to make sure you are comfortable and at ease. Even if you suffer from a sleep disorder, we think you will have a meaningful sleep evaluation experience at our specialized sleep facility.
We welcome anyone interested in sleep studies to take a tour of the Sleep Health Solutions center. Contact Sleep Health Solutions by calling (330) 923-0228 to schedule a consultation today.
