If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, suffering from sleep walking, recurring dreams, or sleep apnea, a sleep study might be a good option to help you find a treatment plan that works. Sleep studies entail staying overnight in a sleep clinic and letting the doctors monitor your sleeping habits through the use of polysomnography, or PSG. PSG is a way for doctors to track brainwaves while you are sleeping and pinpoint where the disturbance is coming from.
Benefits and Versatility of a Sleep Study
We already know sleep studies are effective and have a good idea of how they work, but you may be asking if it is the best method of diagnosis for your individual case. Since everyone is different, this is a valid question, however the diagnostic uses of a sleep study are so vast that it is usually the recommended course of action for all kinds of different sleep disorders. If going into the doctors office for a night is a source of anxiety that may prevent you from sleeping, there is always the option of a home sleep test. These tests are most commonly used for sleep apnea. In a home sleep test, you will be issued a device by your doctor that is equipped with sensors to place on various points of your body. You will wear the device to sleep then have a follow-up appointment in which your doctor will read the results. Once results come back from your lab or home test, the doctor will give you a treatment plan.
What is Sleep Therapy?
So why are sleep studies so effective? The answer to this is simple, by seeing the results of a PSG, the doctor can better prescribe treatment. One of the most common treatments for sleep disorders is sleep therapy. In sleep therapy, the therapist will help you to retrain your mind and body in order to achieve restful sleep. One of the most common ways this is done is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In CBT, you will learn to form better habits around sleep and sleep hygiene. Some of these healthy habits will likely include:
- A set bedtime and wake-up time every day
- Turning off your electronics 30 minutes before going to bed
- Not eating and drinking large amounts before bed
- Limiting caffeine intake
- Creating a plan for a bedtime routine
In Conclusion
If your sleep issues are keeping you awake every night and leading to drowsiness during the day, the above diagnostic and treatment plans may be right for you. Sleep disorders a huge inconvenience, but they can be successfully treated with a variety of CBT techniques, medication, and in the case of apnea, the use of a CPAP machine to assist with nighttime breathing. Contact a sleep center to get set up with the proper testing, and soon you’ll be on your way to restful sleep every night.
Valley Sleep Center has sleep studies offices in the following locations:
- Valley Sleep Center in Mesa, Arizona
- Valley Sleep Center in Glendale, Arizona
- Valley Sleep Center in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Valley Sleep Center in Phoenix, Arizona
- Valley Sleep Center in Chandler, Arizona
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If you or a family member is currently undergoing CPAP treatment, we offer CPAP machines, supplies and accessories online. You may also visit our CPAP supplies store in Mesa, Arizona.
