If you aren’t able to fall asleep or stay asleep as well as you would like, then it is probably in your best interest to have an evaluation by a sleep doctor. Your sleep doctor may recommend a “sleep study” to reveal some of the mysteries of what is happening while you sleep.
A sleep study is conducted on an individual basis to literally study what is happening to your body and mind while you sleep. A sleep study is the “gold standard” in diagnosing sleep disorders because it analyzes your sleep in all of its complexity. You will have tiny electrodes placed on certain spots (via adhesive) around your body so that your various movements and processes, such as your heartbeat and breathing patterns, can be recorded.
So, to ensure that you get the most accurate results from your sleep study, it’s important to prepare for it. Let’s talk about some of the things you can do to ensure that your sleep study goes as smoothly and pleasantly as possible, and where you can go in North Texas to discuss your sleep issues with an experienced sleep doctor.
Optimize the Conditions for Your Sleep Study
Since a sleep study records precise facts and data on what your body is doing at every moment of your sleep, you will want to have sound sleep during the test – so your sleep will be as normal and typical as possible. For this, try to do everything beforehand as normally as possible, from your drinking and eating habits to reading before bed if that’s what you do.
It is a good idea to avoid the consumption of caffeinated foods like energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, soda, etc., which could block the adenosine signal for sleep and make it difficult to fall asleep for the sleep test.
You should also:
- Eat your meals and snacks normally
- Follow your exercise routine as you normally would
- Avoid things that could prompt anxiety
- Minimize exposure to phone/internet screens a few hours before the sleep study
If you’re in the habit of taking sleep medications or supplements (such as melatonin), discuss with your sleep doctor whether you should avoid taking this before the test or not.
Bring Any Items that You Need for Your Nightly Routine
When getting ready to go to the sleep center for your sleep study, be sure to bring any personal items that you normally need before going to sleep. Think of it as if you are going to stay at a hotel.
You will want to bring:
- Comfortable clothes or pajamas to sleep in
- Reading material, if you have a habit of reading before sleep
- Clean clothes for the morning
- Your toothbrush, toothpaste, or any other toiletry items
- Makeup and deodorant for the morning if desired
- Your pillow(s), if you find it hard to sleep on other pillows
You can also let your sleep technician know beforehand if you have any special needs or concerns, like trouble getting in or out of bed, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), or any physical limitations or impairments. They will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable during your sleep study.
Sleep Study in Weatherford, TX
Here at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, our sleep specialist Dr. Olusegun Oseni will diagnose your sleep issue by conducting a comprehensive sleep study in our comfortable, classy sleep center. Dr. Oseni offers a variety of treatments, including medications, relaxation techniques, a CPAP machine, and lifestyle recommendations to help treat your sleep disorder.
If you are looking to finally receive a diagnosis for your sleep problem and treatment that works for you, call us today at (817) 594-9993 to make an appointment with Dr. Oseni, or request an appointment online now. We look forward to helping you get some sleep!