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Anyone been to a sleep study?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Misssy2
Misssy2

My psychiatrist yesterday suggested a sleep study to me.

So..I looked up some information on a sleep study on the computer and I see some pictures of a guy with probes on his head...and some gadget strapped to his chest....laying on his back!

#1 - How do I sleep knowing people are "wathching" me?  I can't sleep as it is.

#2 - I toss and turn from side to side.  How does one move with all this equipement on them.

#3 - I think I would not sleep at ALL with the equipment on me, being in a strange environment and knowing people are watching me!

 

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • RobertT
    RobertT Misssy2

    Posted

    If you went, you might at least confirm that you have a sleep problem!
    • Lee1988
      Lee1988 RobertT

      Posted

      Worst advice ever... Why are you even bothering to post in this section??
    • lily65668
      lily65668 RobertT

      Posted

      That's actually a valid point! A lot of people who think they don't sleep all night do sleep for quite long periods without realising it. A night in the sleep lab would establish whether or not this is the case.
    • Lee1988
      Lee1988 lily65668

      Posted

      Not really. If you are getting sleep and don't know it then your problem isn't that bad and can most likely be corrected with more excercise and better diet.

      This comes from someone who has suffered from reoccurring insomnia for nearly 6 years and I go for periods of up to a week without sleeping at all, believe it or not.

    • RobertT
      RobertT Lee1988

      Posted

      You are very lucky Lee if you have found the medical profession always ready to accept that you have a problem with sleep. Have you never read in this section (or the Zopiclone one) of the people with insomnia turned away by their doctors when seeking some medication to help?
    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 lily65668

      Posted

      lily...I know I'm up every 2 hours..because I actually get up...and use the bathroom...ever 1.5 to 2 hours.  Another problem that if addressed may help my insomnia.
    • denisita
      denisita lily65668

      Posted

      True but when you have this problem a long time you know whether you actually are sleeping or not. I went through it and many people didn't believe me. And I was wide awake all night. Now I have some nights where I'm not sure... thats a good sign it means i am dozing off here and there. And they rejected me at many sleep study clinics cause they said I obvously dont have sleep apnea or anything like that. So lets hope the clinic even receives her... although it might be a waste of money. But you're right it might at least get doctors' attention.
  • Lee1988
    Lee1988 Misssy2

    Posted

    'Sleep studies are tests that record the body activity during sleep. They are helpful in identification of sleep disorders. Polysomnography, a type of sleep study, is the gold standard to rule out obstructive sleep apnea.'

    From google. I must admit I do not know much about this however I wouldn't be able to sleep either while why wired up to a machine etc. Sadly my sleep problems have started again recently after almost a year of being ok, at doctor's later on not that they can do much for me but I'm going to ask to be referred to a specialist. I'd suggest the same if you have been to docs back and forth and still no solution.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 Lee1988

      Posted

      Yes, Lee...there are 2 types of sleep disorder test measured by machines...One you can take home is not the PS test you mentioned its an HS.....BUT that one only checks for sleep apeana,  The one you mention...measures different amounts of "types" of sleep like REM....

      They also provide aftercare suggestions or medications....It would be the PS one I would need that is only done in the lab.  Thank you for your reply.

  • lily65668
    lily65668 Misssy2

    Posted

    I know how you feel. I'm waiting for an appointment in the sleep lab and have the same concerns. However, a friend who did it told me he didn't have to lie on his back all night. I hope I don't! On the other hand, it might prove my point. I've known I suffer from sleep apnoea for years, but my previous GP refused to refer me. She said it was impossible as women never get it. Fortunately, the new GP I started seeing after I moved house is more reasonable. I plan to take a tiny dose of phenergan early in the evening, which always works, though not enough to produce unconsciousness, which would muddy the waters. Because I only take it very rarely, I find just 5mg works for me. That's the dose you can give to a five-year-old three times a day!

    On the bright side, if they do make me lie on my back I know I'll display some spectacular sleep apnoea. If I even start to doze off lying on my back I wake up suffocating.

    They don't stand there watching you, btw. My friend said he was left alone in a completely darkened, silent room and they were tracking his brain waves from another room.

    I think you should give it a whirl provided it's not going to cost too much. If nothing else, it will prove you're telling the truth about your poor sleep.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 lily65668

      Posted

      Yes, lily...the only reason I want to go is to have it documented by professionals I don't sleep.  They believe me thou.  My PCP believes me and the Psychiatrist believes me...the Psychaitrist suggests I ask my PCP to send me.  I am concerned aoub the cost.  Awesome your going.

      When?

    • lily65668
      lily65668 Misssy2

      Posted

      Dunno yet, but I'll tell you all about it when I've been.
  • denisita
    denisita Misssy2

    Posted

    I completely agree. It probably would be quite difficult to even get off to sleep as it is. It sounds like your doctor might not have a lot of experience with real insomniacs. I suggest you look for a doctor who has a background in psychiatry and sleep troubles. It took me four years before a doctor took me seriously and during several months i was sleeping approximately 20 -60 minutes per day. And most of the time it was due to pure exhaustion and I experienced sleep paralysis and woke up in sweats. I couldn't work or do anything with my life for almost a year cause it got so bad. Only thing working for me now is anti-depressants (doxypine) + anti anxiety meds (valium) and lots of working out and never having caffeine.

    What exactly are you experiencing?

    What methods have you tried?

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