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Sleep Study/Polysomnography

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respimeds.com
 Sleep Study/Polysomnography

What is a sleep study/polysomnography?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is a painless procedure that enables the doctors to determine if a patient is suffering from sleep apnea, and which treatment is most suitable. The study is covered by most insurance companies, and is the first step in treating sleep apnea.

Why should I get a sleep study?

Your sleep is meant to restore your energy so you can be alert and effective during the day. However, if you fail to get proper sleep you may experience daytime sleepiness such as: a strong urge to take naps, falling asleep during meetings, fighting to stay awake on your drive home from work; this can severely impact your ability to function during the day. Finding the cause of your daytime sleepiness is the first step toward improving your condition. A sleep study will help you accomplish this!

What happens on the night of the study?

Once you arrive at the sleep lab, you will be shown to your private room and asked to change into your bed clothes. The technician will then spend about 20 minutes attaching leads (wires) to your head, face, chest and legs. (This is absolutely painless and un-invasive) These leads will then be connected to a monitoring box (head box). The leads will have a sufficient amount of slack so that you are not restricted in movement while you sleep.After the leads are in place the technician will leave to an adjacent room to monitor your sleep. All that is left for you to do is relax and fall asleep. During the study you will be able to call on the technician if you need to use the restroom or have any other questions.

Sometimes your study may involve the use of a Cpap mask (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). The CPAP mask provides a gentle and constant flow of air into your nose and mouth. This constant flow of air keeps your airway open and prevents cessation of breathing during sleep. The technician will adjust the CPAP mask so that it fits you properly. Many people report that after using a CPAP mask they wake up feeling refreshed, alert and well rested.

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