have you had a sleep study?

[Denisemomof4]

I've heard that during a sleep study you spend the night at the hospital. Lights are to be turned out at a set time (I believe it was 10:00) and no tv, lights, or books/reading materials allowed. Is this true? These conditions would set me up for a sleepless night. I have to keep my mind busy doing something until I tire.

 

If you have had a sleep study, please share your experiences.

[Pamela H in Texas]

That was not my experience.

 

I was in a free-standing clinic. They hooked me up at a pretty early time, but I could text my family, read, watch tv, etc. They did ask that you turn the tv off before falling asleep.

 

They also didn't have an issue with my extremely early rising as long as it gave them the minimum number of hours they needed (though not sure how they were gonna do something about that had I not).

[Denisemomof4]

That was not my experience.

 

I was in a free-standing clinic. They hooked me up at a pretty early time, but I could text my family, read, watch tv, etc. They did ask that you turn the tv off before falling asleep.

 

They also didn't have an issue with my extremely early rising as long as it gave them the minimum number of hours they needed (though not sure how they were gonna do something about that had I not).

 

that would be perfect! What were the minimum hours there?

 

I need to call around. I can't just sit around hoping to get tired.

[Pamela H in Texas]

I don't know. Wild guess? 4.5? Enough for a couple cycles.

 

Denise, to make it easier on all of you, get up early the morning of, no naps, no caffeine, be fairly active. They'll give you a list of things to do and not to do.

 

I actually fell asleep much sooner than I expected.

[FriedClams]

I have done two - one to see if I had apnea and when I did, one to set my cpap. The first one was a horrible experience because I had no idea what to expect. The second was annoying, but not intimidating. I think if I had read something like I am going to type here - the first one would have been fine. The unknowing was hard on me - so I hope this helps...

 

For mine, I was told to arrive at 8. No caffeine that day, etc. I got there at 8 and was escorted to my room where I filled in a general Q&A about how tired I was, etc. It took about 5 minutes. I then hit that bathroom since using the bathroom once wired is a PAIN.

 

When that was done the tech started to hook me up. When I say "hook me up" I mean with what seems like a 100 wires. There were about 20 on my head alone. There are also wires on your legs (for restless leg syndrome tests), your chest, everywhere. There is also a band you wear around your chest and one on your finger. It took over an hour to get my completely wired. It was terribly uncomfortable and scary the first time - the second time was easy.

 

So, when I was all hooked up they let me go to bed and watch some tv, but only after they checked all the cameras and mics. They are all over the room. So they have you breathe, talk, etc. a few times to check everything. It was weird to me, but that's may be just me. With all the checks done I was allowed to watch tv until about 10:30. At 10:30 it was lights out. That's when you are supposed to fall asleep...

 

With the first study I swore I could NEVER fall asleep, but apparently I did. It was a hassle with all the junk on, but I guess I was tired enough. I "slept" until about 5:30 when they woke me. I was quickly unwired - thankfully - and then had another questionnaire to fill out. After that I could either leave or get cleaned up there. They had a shower, etc. but the first time I just left. The second time I had things to do so I just took a shower there and headed off. It takes a LONG time to scrub out all the junk in your hair - so be ready for that. The results take about a week to process and then when you see your doc they will review them. Apparently it's a TON of data. Who knew?

 

Overall the first one was fine - I was just scared and stressed out. It's uncomfortable and annoying - but I am glad I did it. I have pretty severe apnea and I am glad that I finally addressed it. If you have any specific questions - please PM me.

[Carrie12345]

My daughter had one as a baby, so it's probably not all that relevant, lol. But I did want to say that hers (done in a children's hospital) was very flexible. Dh was able to stay with her the whole time. The atmosphere made it rather difficult for her to fall asleep, and she definitely woke up earlier than usual, but they still managed to get what they needed.

[Denisemomof4]

My daughter had one as a baby, so it's probably not all that relevant, lol. But I did want to say that hers (done in a children's hospital) was very flexible. Dh was able to stay with her the whole time. The atmosphere made it rather difficult for her to fall asleep, and she definitely woke up earlier than usual, but they still managed to get what they needed.

 

poor baby!!!

 

I have done two - one to see if I had apnea and when I did, one to set my cpap. The first one was a horrible experience because I had no idea what to expect. The second was annoying, but not intimidating. I think if I had read something like I am going to type here - the first one would have been fine. The unknowing was hard on me - so I hope this helps...

 

For mine, I was told to arrive at 8. No caffeine that day, etc. I got there at 8 and was escorted to my room where I filled in a general Q&A about how tired I was, etc. It took about 5 minutes. I then hit that bathroom since using the bathroom once wired is a PAIN.

 

When that was done the tech started to hook me up. When I say "hook me up" I mean with what seems like a 100 wires. There were about 20 on my head alone. There are also wires on your legs (for restless leg syndrome tests), your chest, everywhere. There is also a band you wear around your chest and one on your finger. It took over an hour to get my completely wired. It was terribly uncomfortable and scary the first time - the second time was easy.

 

So, when I was all hooked up they let me go to bed and watch some tv, but only after they checked all the cameras and mics. They are all over the room. So they have you breathe, talk, etc. a few times to check everything. It was weird to me, but that's may be just me. With all the checks done I was allowed to watch tv until about 10:30. At 10:30 it was lights out. That's when you are supposed to fall asleep...

 

With the first study I swore I could NEVER fall asleep, but apparently I did. It was a hassle with all the junk on, but I guess I was tired enough. I "slept" until about 5:30 when they woke me. I was quickly unwired - thankfully - and then had another questionnaire to fill out. After that I could either leave or get cleaned up there. They had a shower, etc. but the first time I just left. The second time I had things to do so I just took a shower there and headed off. It takes a LONG time to scrub out all the junk in your hair - so be ready for that. The results take about a week to process and then when you see your doc they will review them. Apparently it's a TON of data. Who knew?

 

Overall the first one was fine - I was just scared and stressed out. It's uncomfortable and annoying - but I am glad I did it. I have pretty severe apnea and I am glad that I finally addressed it. If you have any specific questions - please PM me.

 

thank you for taking the time to write all of this out. This is very helpful! I don't think I can fall asleep that early, but not having caffeine will only help. This was very helpful. Thanks!!!

[Pamela H in Texas]

My ds just told me that when he did his (my dh went with him), they *did* turn out the lights at 10pm and made him try to go to sleep. His was at Children's in Dallas. He was almost 15 (like 2 weeks shy).

[Ellie]

Mine was at a hotel, where a suite was permanently set up for sleep studies. I took my good book to read. :-)

 

You don't have to sleep like a log in order for the sleep study to "work." I didn't think I slept all that much, but apparently it was enough for the technician to read all the data being sucked out of my body, lol.

[Dandelion]

We had a sleep study done for my then 6yo DS in December last year. SWM's post above describes our experience perfectly.

 

Interestingly enough, he slept well that night despite all the wires and the little contraption they put in his nose - I couldn't sleep because I was too worried he was going to wake up and freak out and try to jump out of bed - necessitating more "wiring".... ;)

[Dad 4 Boys]

Mine was done in a hospital sleep clinic.

 

I concur with the previous poster about all of the "getting wired up" taking quite awhile. I didn't find it that uncomfortable though. They let me read, watch TV, etc. until a certain. However, I don't remember what the lights out time was.

 

I fell asleep rather easily, and they let me sleep for a few hours while they monitored me. Sometime around 2:00 AM, they woke me with a diagnosis of moderate to severe apnea. Then they fitted me with a CPAP mask and let me go back to sleep. As well as I can remember, I didn't have too much trouble getting back to sleep. I didn't sleep really well with the mask, but was able to doze in and out until they woke me to leave.

 

I was fitted for and started using my CPAP in the next couple days after the study. It's been 2 1/2 years, and I've worn it every night including in a tent during camping trips.

 

I acclimated to the mask quite easily. However, I have worn oxygen masks and/or respirators at a couple of my jobs in the past. I think that helped me quite a bit. Also, I'm not very claustrophobic to begin with.

 

It has really helped both my wife and me sleep. I don't sound like a busted chainsaw anymore, so my wife gets to sleep as well.

[Chelle in MO]

Mine was done in a hospital sleep clinic.

 

I concur with the previous poster about all of the "getting wired up" taking quite awhile. I didn't find it that uncomfortable though. They let me read, watch TV, etc. until a certain. However, I don't remember what the lights out time was.

 

I fell asleep rather easily, and they let me sleep for a few hours while they monitored me. Sometime around 2:00 AM, they woke me with a diagnosis of moderate to severe apnea. Then they fitted me with a CPAP mask and let me go back to sleep. As well as I can remember, I didn't have too much trouble getting back to sleep. I didn't sleep really well with the mask, but was able to doze in and out until they woke me to leave.

 

I was fitted for and started using my CPAP in the next couple days after the study. It's been 2 1/2 years, and I've worn it every night including in a tent during camping trips.

 

I acclimated to the mask quite easily. However, I have worn oxygen masks and/or respirators at a couple of my jobs in the past. I think that helped me quite a bit. Also, I'm not very claustrophobic to begin with.

 

It has really helped both my wife and me sleep. I don't sound like a busted chainsaw anymore, so my wife gets to sleep as well.

 

Oh, yeah! Best thing EVER!

 

Chelle, wife of Dad 4 Boys :001_smile:

[sheryl]

I've heard that during a sleep study you spend the night at the hospital. Lights are to be turned out at a set time (I believe it was 10:00) and no tv, lights, or books/reading materials allowed. Is this true? These conditions would set me up for a sleepless night. I have to keep my mind busy doing something until I tire.

 

If you have had a sleep study, please share your experiences.

 

Yep Denise you heard right! I had one about 9-10 years ago. My dd had one 3 years ago at the age of 8. However, mine was not in a "hospital" in was in a satellite clinic. Check with your insurance to determine which "location" will be covered by insurance.

 

You may take everything you listed, books, etc, etc, but THEY dictate when you are finished with those things. So, yes, lights out at a certain time and they will ALSO wake you at a certain time whether you're ready or not.

 

All of your electrodes will be "hooked up" early. This will take quite a while. Once in bed with lights out there is sooooo much they can determine. There are different parts of the brain which have different jobs. They want to see how quickly you fell asleep, or did it take a loooong time. They will monitor if you woke up and how many times. The test will pick up how quickly you fell back to sleep. It will test for how many times you stopped breathing (sleep apnea) if that is the issue. It will test for sleep "cycles" and if you reached them properly. It can test for seizure-related activity. As you can see it's really helpful. If you need it and it's been prescribed then you should do so. If you "strongly" feel you need one then discuss your symptoms with your doctor and s/he'll order one.

 

Be sure to know your insurance coverage if that's an issue for you.

 

HTH. Sheryl <><