Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Do you often wake up feeling tired and irritable in the morning? Although you may be going to bed at a reasonable hour, sleep apnea may be preventing you from sleeping soundly through the night.
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious condition that causes you to wake up frequently throughout the night. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, our Waxahachie sleep dentist, Dr. Clinton may recommend a sleep study to diagnose and provide treatment for your sleep disorder.
What to Expect With a Sleep Study
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Clinton will suggest you have a sleep study done with a local sleep specialist. The purpose of this sleep test is to monitor your sleep patterns and determine if you suffer from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. You can either get a sleep study done at a sleep center or at home.
During the sleep study, your blood and oxygen levels and REM cycle will be monitored. You’ll be provided with the most comfortable conditions possible during the test to ensure accurate results.
Preparing For a Sleep Study
The best way to master your sleep study is by taking the proper steps to prepare for it beforehand. It’s important to schedule the sleep study at a time you’d naturally fall asleep so the study resembles a regular night of sleep as closely as possible.
To help your sleep study run smoothly, we recommend you prepare by:
- Asking questions — Being completely informed about the sleep study and how it’ll help your sleep apnea will put your mind at ease and help you rest assured.
- Receive a comprehensive physical — This will help your specialist determine the right testing for you.
- Maintain a consistent schedule — It’s crucial to go about your normal daily lifestyle and go to bed at a consistent time each night leading up to your sleep study.
What to Do on the Day of Your Sleep Study
The 24 hours leading up to your sleep study are crucial. Your actions during this time may affect your quality of sleep during the study or prevent you from falling asleep altogether.
Dr. Clinton recommends monitoring your diet on the day of the sleep study to ensure you don’t consume anything that could make it harder for you to fall asleep. This means avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. In addition, you should avoid taking any naps and exercise as you regularly would. By sticking to your daily habits, you can help ensure accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sleep study disruptive or uncomfortable?
Your sleep study will be a comfortable and painless experience. The tools used to conduct the study are designed with the needs of a sleeping patient in mind. They won’t be irritating or noisy, and you’ll be able to sleep like normal and provide reliable results for your specialist.
Are there options available if I can't attend an overnight study?
Some patients have schedules or responsibilities that make it unfeasible to visit a facility for an overnight study. Others have difficulty sleeping in unfamiliar locations. If you have concerns about attending an overnight study, an at-home sleep study may be the best option.
You’ll be given equipment for an at-home sleep study to monitor your sleep at home. When you return the equipment, your data will be collected and evaluated. While the controlled environment of a medical facility is often preferred by sleep specialists, at-home sleep studies are a reliable data collection method for patients that require a more flexible approach.
What if I wake up during my sleep study?
If you wake up during the night such as going to the bathroom or getting a glass of water, you must leave the device on. It’s important to keep recording all night. Once you’ve woken up after a night’s rest, you can turn the device off. You’ll place the equipment back in its case and discard the used nasal cannula.
How long do you need to sleep for a sleep study?
When you undergo a sleep study, it’s required to have at least seven hours of recording to gather enough data to analyze and make the correct diagnosis. If participating in an in-lab sleep study, patients arrive between 8 and 10 p.m. and leave the office around 6 and 8 a.m.
Contact Dr. Clinton in Waxahachie, TX
Sleep apnea affects not only your sleep but also your daily life. Contact our Waxahachie sleep dental office at (972) 737-5337 if you’re experiencing symptoms of the condition. We’ll provide you with a no-obligation consultation and refer you to a doctor to complete your sleep study.
You can request a consultation by using the online form below to reach out to us by email. We proudly provide service to patients in the South Dallas area including Red Oak, Midlothian, Maypearl, and Ennis, TX.