Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Do you wake up feeling tired and irritable in the morning? Although you may be going to bed at a reasonable hour and trying your best to get a proper amount of sleep each night, something 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 gasping for air. It occurs when your airway is obstructed and results in the sufferer getting little to no sleep.
Knowing What to Expect
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Clinton will suggest you have a sleep study done with a local specialist. The purpose of this sleep test is to monitor your sleep patterns and diagnose you with sleep apnea, if applicable. To receive accurate results, you’ll have to sleep overnight at a sleep center.
During the sleep study, you’ll be hooked up to a computer to monitor how you’re sleeping, your blood and oxygen levels, and your REM cycle. 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 that the sleep study resembles a regular night of sleep as closely as possible.
To help your sleep study run smoothly, we recommend you prepare for it 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 important 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 is a crucial time. 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 potentially make it harder for you to fall asleep. This means avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. In addition to this, you should avoid taking any naps and exercise as you regularly would.
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, 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 have concerns about attending an overnight study, an at-home sleep study may be the best option for you.
For an at-home sleep study, you’ll be given equipment that will monitor your sleep at home. When you return the equipment, your data will be collected and evaluated like normal. 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.
Contact Dr. Clinton in Waxahachie, TX
Sleep apnea affects not only your sleep but also your daily life. Contact us at (972) 73-SLEEP 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.