An Overnight Sleep Center For A Sleep Disorder
Once you and your doctor think you may be suffering from a sleeping disorder, a sleep center may be in your future. These are places located all around the country and they specialize in diagnosing sleep disorder. The centers are increasing and they need to be accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in order to operate.
Chances are you are in for an overnight stay if you are being sent to a sleep center. A night at a sleep center can be expensive, especially if you need to be there for several visits. It can cost between one and three thousand dollars. The very first visit may only diagnosis you while subsequent visits can help define a treatment. For most, health insurance can alleviate the cost involved.
When you have an upcoming appointment, you may be sent a sleep diary. The doctor will use this tool in order to gain insight into your sleep disorder and sleep patterns. You will have to refrain from alcohol and caffeine consumption before the sleep center visit.
The sleep center you visit will make you feel comfortable. You will be able to bring your own pajamas and pillows for the overnight stay. For most people, it is much like staying in a hotel overnight. If you engage in reading before bed, you will also be able to do that at the sleep center. You will also have a television set too in case this is what you enjoy doing before bed at home. Making you feel relaxed and at home is the point. The sleep center technician will begin the process of getting the equipment ready as you settle in for the night.
A polysomnography will measure your sleep patterns continuously. This is how the sleep center reaches a diagnosis. Parts of your body will be outfitted with electrodes in order to get readings during your sleep study at the sleep center. Some of the body parts that they are attached to include the scalp, fingers, chin, nose, near the eyes, legs and chest. They will also be placed on your abdomen. As the electrodes take certain readings and measurements during your sleep center stay, you will also be video and audio recorded. This will allow them to study your sounds and movements during sleep.
When everything is in place, you will be left alone to drift off to sleep. You may expect to feel uncomfortable, but you will not. You are able to move just as freely as if you were at home and you have access to an intercom system to reach out if you need anything. You are able to take bathroom breaks and act as if you were home. You will be awakened by the technician when the studying is complete. Seven or eight hours is the typical amount of time needed to get a complete picture of your sleep disorder.
Your readings are all on file to be studied and analyzed. This is called a polysonagram. The collection of data is sent away for further analysis to pinpoint the exact sleep disorder. Going through a sleep study and being comfortable is possible and it can be necessary if you have a sleep disorder.
