Not getting enough sleep seems to be quiet common in today’s society. It has become a norm to sleep a few hours a night, and fight off fatigue with a cup of coffee or an energy drink. This may seem like a quick fix, but it can be pretty detrimental in time. Lack of sleep has been connected to many serious health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, obesity, depression, heart disease, and hormone imbalance. And sadly, those are only a few unfortunate side effects.
But What If You Can’t Sleep?
We have all experienced the nights that we just cannot seem to doze off. In fact, about 1 out of 3 people suffer from some form insomnia. Other misfortunes like snoring and the lack of melatonin production within the body can also keep us up at night. If you experience frequent restless nights, it may be time for you to visit your local sleep clinic to participate in a study.
What is a Sleep Study?
Sleep studies are designed to help identify what factors are hindering you from achieving a full night of rest. A few key elements monitored in these tests are snoring, sleep patterns, physical body movement (such as excessive jumping and kicking of the legs), and breathing patterns. Upon it’s completion, the patient will have obtained a proper diagnosis and can move on to receive sleep therapy treatment.
So Which Study Should You Choose?
Each sleep study serves a specific purpose based upon the patient’s symptoms. The sleep clinic will likely select the best one for you, but it is important to have some insight as to what to expect from your experience.
1. PSG
A PSG, or Polysomnogram study is the standard test that can be used for both adults and children. This study is conducted over night and records the brain activity, eye and body movements, heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. A doctor might suggest this option if you suffer from chronic insomnia, Narcolepsy, sleep related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, involuntary flexing or jerking of the limbs while sleeping, sleep walking, or other unusual unconscious behaviors. There is no pain associated with Polysomnography. It is important to avoid napping or consuming caffeine the afternoon leading up to the study.
2. Split Night PSG
A physician may recommend this study if it is suspected that you may have OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea during the first part of the night’s study. The second part of the night is spent determining which measure of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) pressure is needed to offset the sleep apnea.
3. MSLT
Multiple Sleep Latency Testing, Or MSLT, is a daytime nap study that examines sleepiness experienced within the day by measuring how quickly you fall asleep in a quiet setting. It is also the principle test for Narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
4. MWT
The multiple of wakefulness test (MWT) is usually ordered for those whom operate heavy machinery or work in public transportation. It simply measures how alert a person can remain in quiet environment.
Follow-up Consultation
This visit is vital. During a follow up, the physician will reveal your diagnosis and discuss the proper treatment needed to better your conditions.
Sleep Therapy
By this point you would have gotten your diagnosis. The next step is sleep therapy. In many cases, you will end up with a prescription drug to ease your troubles. However, if it is discovered that you have sleep apnea, you will likely be ordered some kind of PAP (positive airway pressure) to keep your airways open so that oxygen levels will not decrease. But if it is determined that your sleep problems derive from an unhealthy mental state, you may be instructed to attend Cognitive behavioral therapy. This is a common one for those battling Narcolepsy, depression, and anxiety.
With the growing knowledge of sleep studies, it is easy to identify what is causing us to live with chronic fatigue and finally put a stop to it.
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.
