A sleep test is done in order to properly diagnose a patient whether they have a certain sleeping condition or not. But how do you qualify for it? Does it have requirements? Don’t worry, I’ll answer all of your questions!
So, how to get sleep tested? All you have to do is to schedule an appointment as you visit your doctor and ask about a sleep test. You will be asked several questions at first like an initial interview to see if you really do need the sleep test.
Questions you can expect when you are scheduling your sleep test appointment are the following.
- Do you snore constantly and loudly?
- Do you experience pauses in breathing during sleep?
- Are you a heavy drinker?
- Do you exercise frequently?
- Do you smoke a lot?
- Does your family have a history of sleep apnea?
- Do you feel tired right after waking up?
A sleep test is formally known as a polysomnography, the word “somn” derived from Latin “Somnus” which means “sleep”.
When you do a sleep test, you most likely will only have to sleep and put on a couple of devices but still be comfortable. You’ll be staying inside a cozy room and you are allowed to bring personal items for sleeping.
What happens is that technicians will be monitoring your brain waves, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, breathing along with eye and leg movements as you sleep.
You don’t have to worry because they can do all that with the help of a machine so there is no reason to feel uncomfortable.
Using the bathroom is also completely fine during a sleep test. You are also free to use your own pajamas to make you feel more comfortable.
Sleep tests exist to diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Patients are required to arrive at least two hours early before sleeping in the lab.
Before you sleep, technologists will place sensors or electrodes on your head and body so the machines can monitor your sleeping habits. There is no need to worry because you can still move around freely.
There are still a few things you can learn about sleep tests and what you can expect from it. Get prepared for your sleep test and read on to learn more about what you should do for it.
How to prepare for a sleep test (5 things to remember)
Once you have successfully scheduled your sleep test, you will be advised to do a couple of things or avoid certain things.
- Avoid food and drinks in the afternoon and evening
- Your food and drinks can disrupt your sleeping behavior and make your condition worse
- You have to avoid caffeine and alcohol for the day
- Caffeine and liquor are also huge factors that can worsen sleeping conditions that must be avoided before the test
- Napping in the afternoon is discouraged
- You might end up having a hard time sleeping on time in the evening during the sleep test
- You’ll be required to shower before the sleep test
- This can help you feel refreshed and ready to go to bed, making it easier to fall asleep
- Do not use makeup, gel, lotions, cologne and anything similar
- These can get in the way of electrodes being used to monitor your sleeping habits
What to expect at a sleep test
It’s most likely your first time to do a sleep test so let me tell you about the things you can expect. First of all, there are no risks in this test. It is completely harmless and totally noninvasive, you can feel at ease.
The sleeping centers are also designed to be a perfect place for sleeping so you can feel comfortable and avoid making your sleeping condition worse by stressing yourself out.
Rooms will also have its own bathroom and the lights are off to make you sleep. There is a low light camera that allows them to see the room despite turning off the lights.
Sometimes, there might also be an audio system where they will be able to hear you and talk to you through voice alone.
When you are ready to sleep, the technicians will place sensors around your body such as your scalp, temples, chest, and legs using a mild adhesive like glue or tapes.
The sensors are attached to wires but it will be long enough to let you move around in bed freely. There will also be a small clip placed on your ear or finger that will let them monitor your blood oxygen levels.
Here’s a list of things that technicians will monitor about you and your doctor will analyze later on.
- Brain waves
- Eye movements
- Heart rate
- Breathing pattern
- Blood oxygen level
- Body position
- Chest and abdominal movement
- Limb movement
- Snoring and other noise you may make as you sleep
You might also be asked to try certain treatment methods such as the commonly used CPAP treatment or “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure” to see if you will feel better after usage.
If you do feel better, then it will help them determine what your sleeping condition may be. For some cases, you might end up having to conduct the sleep test up to 3 times.
After the first sleep test when you wake up in the morning, you will have to wait until the next appointment comes. You will either find out the results or be asked to re-do the test.
You are free to go back to your usual activities after the sleep test.
How much does it cost to do a sleep test
A sleep test can be done in two different places. It can be done at your home or you can sleep over at the sleeping center. It’s more commonly done in the center but a home sleep test can be cheaper.
The sleep test service may range from $150 up to $500 but it can be higher depending on where you live and the medical company you chose.
You can also check if your insurance can cover the sleep test expenses to help you save money.
What are the risks of a sleep test
The only possible risk of a sleep test is mild skin irritation after having sensors attached to your body for the entire night. This is rare to happen, but it is the only risk as well. There is nothing else to worry about.
Why you should do a sleep test
A sleep test is important to find out if you have risky sleeping conditions such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a complicated condition that can invite other illnesses to your body’s system which can turn bad any time.
You will also need a proper sleep test in order to determine what you really need to do for your treatment. Instead of randomly trying solutions, a sleep test can accurately give you the cure or the answer.
How long do sleep tests take?
A full night’s sleep isn’t really required to get an accurate result about your sleeping conditions. In this case, the length or duration of sleep tests may vary depending on the patient.
If the patient does not show signs of sleeping complications during the first test, then it might take another sleep test to figure out the problem.
But if the patient is showing clear signs of a sleeping condition during the first few hours then it can provide sufficient data for the technicians and doctor to properly analyze the problem.
All you have to do is patiently wait for the result of your diagnosis.
How often should you have a sleep test if you have sleep apnea?
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea and if treatments are going well, you may not have to continuously conduct a sleep test. However, patients are advised to see their doctors once in a while.
How long to get CPAP after a sleep test?
It typically takes one to two weeks before you can receive the results of your sleep test and get CPAP. The doctors will carefully evaluate your diagnosis to determine if you need CPAP.
Related Questions
How do I get a home sleep test for sleep apnea?
Scheduling a home sleep test and a polysomnography are usually the same thing. You only have to talk to your doctor, answer the questions to see if you possess symptoms that qualify for a sleep test.
Once the doctor declares that you are fit for a sleep test, you can then ask to conduct the test at your home instead of going to a sleeping center. This will let them make the right preparations and now you only have to wait.
Is a sleep test uncomfortable or painful?
No, for most people, sleep tests aren’t comfortable at all and nothing about it is painful. If you are an extremely shy person, you might find the thought of being observed uncomfortable.
However, they won’t be watching your every moment. There will be sensors placed on your body and the machine collects the data by itself, so there’s no need to feel uncomfortable.
The technicians will most likely have their eye more on the machine providing the data more than watching how you sleep.
