At Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates, we specialize in Sleep MEdicine, conducting on-site studies at our office to diagnose various sleep disorders.
Here we present you some frequently asked questions regarding these on-site studies and they are conducted to help you better understand what to expect during a sleep study.
1) “What Is An Overnight Sleep Study?”
An overnight sleep study is a type of test that involves applying different types of measurements so as to identify different sleep stages and classify various sleep disorders. To begin with this test, we connect small sensors to the patient’s head, face, chest and legs so as to monitor the different brain and body activities. This includes: brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, respiration and muscle movements. It’s important to bear in mind that this study is not painful or uncomfortable, and it is very safe.
2) “Can I Fall Asleep With All Those Wires On Me?”
At Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates we strive to make sure that the study is as comfortable as possible. All the sensor wires are always gathered together so that it’s easy for the patient to roll over or change position, and they can also be disconnected very easily if the patient needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
3) “What Will Happen During My Study?”
During the study, we monitor and record various important body functions and data while the patient is sleeping. A technician will be monitoring the study throughout the duration of the study. However, if we observe a respiratory or breathing problem, the patient may be awakened to try a device, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which treats breathing problems. This device includes a small mask, which fits around the nose.
4) “Should I Take My Regular Medication The Night Of My Study?”
Yes, All patients should continue with any prescription medication that is usually taken. However, it is important that the patient writes down in the questionnaire, and so informs the healthcare professionals, any medication that is taken.
5) “Is There Anything In Particular That I Should Do On The Day Of My Study?”
On the day of the study, patients need to make sure that their hair is thoroughly dry and free of oils or sprays. At the same time, patients should preferably not take any naps on the day of the study and avoid caffeinated beverages 12 hours prior to the study, this includes coffee, tea or soft drinks containing caffeine. Additionally, no alcoholic beverages should be consumed on the day of the study.
6) “What Happens After My Study?”
After the sleep study finishes, we will compile all the results and forward them to your personal physician. Once the study has been interpreted, we will send a report to your referring physician. It will typically take 1-2 weeks before a full report is sent.
Did You Know That…?
- About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem, while nearly 60% of this group has a chronic sleep disorder.
- About 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, although 95% of the cases aren’t diagnosed or treated.
- Sleep apnea causes 38,000 cardiovascular deaths each year, which is more than asthma.
- Sleep apnea is associated with many conditions, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, mental impairment, and also situations such as sexual problems and injury from accidents.
- Sleep apnea affects more than:
- 30% of coronary artery disease patients
- 50% of congestive heart failure patients
- 60% of people who have survived a stroke
- 80% drug-resistant hypertension patients
- Approximately, 10% to 30% of adults snore.
- Snoring is the first indication of obstructive sleep apnea, for 5% of adults.
- An estimated number of 200,000 people suffer from narcolepsy.
- Over 50% of Americans aged 65 and older suffer from a sleep problem.
- The prevalence of sleep disorders appears to increase with advancing age.
- About 25% of American children aged 1 to 5 have a sleep disturbance.
- About 60% to 85% of people who have tried continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to relieve sleep apnea have been able to continue its use.
- Sleep disorders cost $16 billion dollars annually to the general public. With an additional $50 to $100 billion dollars from the indirect costs accidents, litigation, property destruction, hospitalization and death.
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 200,000 of the reported automobile accidents each year may be sleep-related.
- Individuals with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, OSA, are seven times more likely to have car accidents.
- Physicians receive, during their medical school training, on average, a total of only 2.1 hours of formal education in sleep medicine.
How Well Do You Sleep at Night?
Can’t get a good night’s rest? Well, you’re not alone.
Over 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder, which includes life-threatening sleep disorders. When untreated, sleep disorders can potentially lead to consequences such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and accidents. A good night’s sleep is the reason behind healthier living, higher productivity and greater alertness. It contributes to public safety, and gives you a better chance of reaching one’s full potential in life.
Let’s go over this simple questionnaire to help you identify if you may have a sleep disorder:
Sleep Test
- Do you snore?
- Do you wake up tired?
- Do you feel sleepy throughout the day?
- Do you gasp or choke during sleep?
- Has anyone ever said you stop breathing at night?
- Do you toss and turn excessively while sleeping?
- Do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
- Are you fatigued, irritable and have problems concentrating?
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, then you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
We, at Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates, specialize in the treatment of sleep-related disorders. Like many other things in life, it’s all about quality over quantity. The amount you sleep is irrelevant if you are sleeping badly.
The first step to living a better life and getting treatment for your sleep disorder is only a phone call away. Call (866) 412-3629 to discover how a sleep study can get you started on the road to better health and wellness.
Sleep Medicine: When You Should See Your Physician
Sleep disorders can be mentally and physically debilitating, but also can be very dangerous to your health. Seeing your physician is of high importance if you:
- Are sleepy during the day, in spite of 8 hours in bed every night.
- Snore loudly and especially if you actually stop breathing at night.
- Have violent behaviors during your sleep.
- Are always very sleepy and have muscle weakness when you get emotional.
- Are kept awake by restless legs.
- Remain unsatisfied with the quality of your sleep after following sleep hygiene recommendations for two weeks.
Call (609) 587-9944 during our normal appointment hours to arrange an appointment with Sleep & Wellness. We can help you start sleeping right and leading a healthier life.