Undergoing a sleep test is the most effective way to find out if you are suffering from a disorder that inhibits your ability to breathe and achieve adequate rest. Millions of individuals living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) do not realize they have symptoms until much later, resulting in additional problems developing throughout the body. Fortunately, your dentist can assist in identifying early signs and recommend appropriate steps to help you receive a formal diagnosis. Before walking in blindly uncertain of what to expect, read on to find out what steps you should take before having a sleep test.
Your At-Home Sleep Test: What to Expect
While it is true that many medical professionals recommend a sleep test be performed in a special center, there is an alternative option that is far more comfortable. You may be surprised that your dentist will recommend an at-home sleep study that allows you to undergo testing in your very own bed and without the multitude of wires and machines monitoring you throughout the night.
Instead of traveling to a sleep center, you will simply receive a portable device from your dentist. Providing you with the necessary instructions, there will be three components you will need to make sure are worn correctly for results to be recorded accurately: a nasal cannula to measure your airflow, a chest belt to measure your respiratory effort, and a clip worn on the finger to measure your oxygen within the blood.
Throughout the night, these pieces will capture necessary information that will be analyzed by a sleep physician. Once they can determine if you have sleep apnea, you will receive a formal diagnosis, allowing you to move forward with necessary treatment.
It is best if you avoid drinking any caffeine or alcohol the day of your test and try not to nap as well. In the weeks before your study, you may also be advised to keep a journal of your normal sleeping patterns and write down any medications you are taking, as a physician may recommend you stop taking them at a certain time to ensure accurate results.
The process is completely painless and will allow you to feel far more comfortable than if you were to undergo this type of process in a sleep center.
Benefits of an At-Home Sleep Test
Apart from the fact you can perform the test in your bed, there are other great benefits to this style of sleep test, such as:
- Fewer machines needed – When undergoing a sleep test in a lab, there are multiple wires and machines you will be hooked up to. This can be uncomfortable and make it difficult for you to achieve any sleep at all. With an at-home sleep test, you have a small, portable device that doesn’t interfere much with your regular sleep position.
- More cost-effective – Many insurance companies prefer patients opt for an at-home sleep test first because it is much more affordable than those performed in a lab or special center.
- Ideal for busy individuals – Don’t have time to devote to sleeping in a lab for even one night? That’s fine! With an at-home sleep study, you can enjoy time at home with your loved ones before putting on the device and slipping into your own bed before the test begins.
Understandably, a sleep test may not be the most enjoyable or exciting way to spend your money. However, once you receive a diagnosis and begin treatment, you’ll be pleased with the investment you’re making to improve your quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto is a sleep apnea dentist in Baytown, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston in 1992 and has continued to pursue advanced education in dentistry. As a dedicated professional who treats patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Hutto and his team at Sleep Better Baytown offer FDA-approved oral appliances to help individuals achieve the rest they need. To find out more about this beneficial alternative, contact us via our website or call (281) 688-2104.