Anyone know about Sleep Clinics? Been to a sleep study?

[brandielynn320]

How can you actually fall asleep knowing you are going to be monitored? I can't imagine them giving you anything that would defeat the purpose. I would think they would want to monitor you as close to your normal environment as possible to find out the real problem right?

[puffin]

Hi,
I had these worries, but it came to nothing really.

The study was carried out at home in my own time and bed. First was just a sats. meter on your finger with a wrist recorder.

Next, because the first test was inconculsive, I had to wear a sats meter again with another devise which recorded breathing by a tube hooked over the ears and under the nose. Two belts, one around the chest, the second around the waist to measure chest movements. These last three all linked to a box on the bed side table with wires and tubes.

Problem with the last test, duff batteries in the box. So I had to repeat the test. They are a little uncompfortable to sleep in, causing intermittant sleep. But really it's not how much sleep but how deep you sleep so that they see your breathing patterns when you are asleep!

When they find the problem and give you a cpap machine they will retest you with the sats. monitor a few times to make sure the machine is working.
So do not worry it could not have been easier and remember you are in control.

[Joe McManus]

As Puffin mentions, most people don't have that much trouble sleeping. The sleep techs only need a few hours of data to draw their conclusions anyway so it's not like a full 7 hours is needed.

It's been suggested to keep the night before very short so you are more likely to fall asleep on the night of the sleep test. Also avoid coffee and sugar etc. as they can keep you active for many hours.

Sleep lab staff are experienced and know how to make you feel comfortable enough to make the trip worth your and their while. Give them a ring beforehand to ease any doubts you may have.

[MoutheBreather]

Most lab tests are split tests. A PSG the first few hours, then on CPAP to see if AHI drops. That means they will wake you up so it will never be just like home but good enough for a diagnosis.

[martinb2410]

sleep test

I had a sleep test and found it very difficult to get to sleep. As it was done in a hospital, I couldnt relax. However, you do eventually drift off and even if you only get a couple of hours sleep, its enough for the techs to get a reading. The best bit comes at 3.30 in the morning, just as your drifting nicely to sleep-the tech comes in, wakes you up and tells you to sleep on your back. Dont think I slept again that night. Its a good idea though to have the next day off work, as I was very tired all day due to the lack of quality sleep. Oh, b.t.w. If your lucky enough to go to wythenshaw for the test-its just under the flight path for manchester airport so that should help you stay awake as well.

[Joe McManus]

Welcome to the forums ,Martin!

Oh, b.t.w. If your lucky enough to go to wythenshaw for the test-its just under the flight path for manchester airport so that should help you stay awake as well.

Ha, nice bonus there. Do they provide ear plugs?

Do you happen to remember your AHI?

[mart9012]

The beds are not brilliant true, and the monitoring equipment is a bit weird too.. the camera bothered me the most. It took hours of me lying there trying to sleep before I finally gave in. I must say that the nurses were brilliant though...

Im sure no-one gets through the test without some difficulty so I wouldn't be over worried about it. Definately be tired for the test and bring a book...

[puffin]

War and Peace!



Have the nurse hit you on the head with it, that should knock you out.

[MoutheBreather]

Have the nurse hit you on the head with it, that should knock you out.

Have him/her break your jaw and your OSA is cured

[puffin]

Just not mess with gumpy and sleepy pre OSA test patients.










Get your head or jaw snaped off.