Testing, 1, 2, 3: Why You Benefit from Sleep Testing
Most people know when it’s time to visit their doctor—they might have a high fever, broken arm, or intense back pain. Because the general public knows very little about the biology of sleep, knowing when to seek medical counsel for sleep problems might feel a bit less clear. In fact, some people might even feel resistant to the idea of visiting a sleep doctor or taking a sleep test. Chances are, though, that when recommended, completing a sleep test will help you get better, healthier sleep.
Primary Care Physicians and Sleep Specialists
Sometimes a visit to your primary care physician is the best step toward having your sleep properly assessed. Your doctor might run a few basic sleep tests to determine whether there seems to be a problem, and make some simple recommendations. If your sleep troubles persist, or if your physician decides that it’s necessary, you might be referred to a sleep specialist. Certified sleep specialists are highly trained medical experts who will have more precise tests and a broader range of treatments to help you with your sleep problem.
Types of Tests
Doctors most often use one of two types of overnight sleep tests to measure how you sleep. The two types are either polysomnogram(PSG) or home sleep tests (HST). Both types of tests are painless and non-invasive, which means that medical instruments are not placed inside your body during testing. The decision to use one type of test over the other may be based upon practitioner or patient preference, health insurance guidelines or other clinical issues.
Sleep tests assess multiple body functions such as your respiratory patterns, snoring, oxygen saturation, heart rate, body position. Polysomnogram tests measure additional body functions such as brain and muscle activity. This is done using different electrodes and monitors on various parts of your body. Later, a physician interprets the data your body generated during sleep to learn more about what challenges you may be struggling with.
Preparing for Testing
You’ll probably have lots of questions about how to prepare for your sleep test, such as whether you should sleep differently the night before, what you should eat or drink prior to the test, or if you should take your normal medications. Chances are, your doctor has heard all of these questions before so don’t feel shy about asking. In fact, your sleep clinic likely has informational brochures or FAQ lists to distribute prior to your appointment. But if you still have questions, make a list of what seems unclear and then call the clinic.
Why You’ll Be Glad When It’s Over
Nobody likes being tested, and sleep testing is probably no exception. Even if you feel skeptical or nervous, make the appointment. By agreeing to a sleep test, you’ll be providing your physician with invaluable data about your sleep patterns that will help pinpoint the problem. Your doctor will then be able to select the best treatment plan for your exact sleep condition, creating the possibility for a better night’s sleep. Some sleep problems can create major disturbances in your body’s normally healthy systems, resulting in long-term damage. Identifying and treating the problem early in the game is an important step toward better sleep, better health, and feeling like your best self.
References
National Sleep Foundation. Sleep Studies
http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/sleep-studies