Overnight Sleep Study Questions

Posted by tim1028 @tim1028, May 18, 2023

I'm getting an overnight sleep study done at an outpatient Sleep Center this weekend. I want to make sure the study is high quality in order to diagnose or rule out any underlying sleep issues.

Any suggestions for preparing for this? I know the usual advice on the day of the study: no naps, no caffeine/alcohol. Anything from your experience to pass on to make this study successful?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.

After a couple of months using a CPAP, I'm still slowly adjusting to this object on my face. I had to switch from the full-face mask (I'm a mouth breather) with nasal pillow to a full-face mask that covers the nose because the nasal pillow kept shifting every time I moved, even when I had it sufficiently snugged up. The new mask, a ResMed F20, works better.

And because I move around a lot during my sleep, this was causing issues with the CPAP moving as well. I did some research and bought a 15 lb weighted blanket, which has helped reduce my nighttime movements and improve sleep. I have a follow-up appointment with the sleep doctor next week, so we'll see what he thinks about my progess.

REPLY
@tim1028

After a couple of months using a CPAP, I'm still slowly adjusting to this object on my face. I had to switch from the full-face mask (I'm a mouth breather) with nasal pillow to a full-face mask that covers the nose because the nasal pillow kept shifting every time I moved, even when I had it sufficiently snugged up. The new mask, a ResMed F20, works better.

And because I move around a lot during my sleep, this was causing issues with the CPAP moving as well. I did some research and bought a 15 lb weighted blanket, which has helped reduce my nighttime movements and improve sleep. I have a follow-up appointment with the sleep doctor next week, so we'll see what he thinks about my progess.

Jump to this post

@tim1028 hi Tim sounds like you are making progress. Unfortunately, I am not. The doctor gave me a prescription for a med that is supposed to help me stay awake during the day, (I have hypersomnia) and unfortunately it is not working. In fact I think it’s contributing to my problem. So I am going to stop taking it.
I hope your situation continues to improve!

REPLY

I wassn't prepared for a very lengthy sit while the wires were attached to my body - having those all over and in fact man came into room several times to readjust and one was off in the morning.... I had him take a photo of me ! Don't forget your pj's and am wondering now if they would have let me bring my pillow from home? Rarely we stay overnight anywhere but if so I try to remember to bring my pillow - although once left it at a hotel. I ended up not purchasing the machine because of my age, other health problems and also to be honest I thought it would be like a little light oxygen mask I work in hospital once ... but this has to be tightly fitted to face etc. and I knew I would not be able to cope with it; however, it has helped many others not only to sleep but breath. Am still glad I had the test done but I feel I did wake up a lot simply cos not my own bed, strange surroundings and the wires; however, I think they measure not only tossing and turning but actual breathing - I should have researched it before the test. Best of luck with it... J.

REPLY
@lacy2

I wassn't prepared for a very lengthy sit while the wires were attached to my body - having those all over and in fact man came into room several times to readjust and one was off in the morning.... I had him take a photo of me ! Don't forget your pj's and am wondering now if they would have let me bring my pillow from home? Rarely we stay overnight anywhere but if so I try to remember to bring my pillow - although once left it at a hotel. I ended up not purchasing the machine because of my age, other health problems and also to be honest I thought it would be like a little light oxygen mask I work in hospital once ... but this has to be tightly fitted to face etc. and I knew I would not be able to cope with it; however, it has helped many others not only to sleep but breath. Am still glad I had the test done but I feel I did wake up a lot simply cos not my own bed, strange surroundings and the wires; however, I think they measure not only tossing and turning but actual breathing - I should have researched it before the test. Best of luck with it... J.

Jump to this post

After they get you wired up from head to toe, the technician says, " Now sleep like normal" when there's nothing normal about it. Yes, they do allow you to bring your own pillow

REPLY
@SusanEllen66

@tim1028 hi Tim sounds like you are making progress. Unfortunately, I am not. The doctor gave me a prescription for a med that is supposed to help me stay awake during the day, (I have hypersomnia) and unfortunately it is not working. In fact I think it’s contributing to my problem. So I am going to stop taking it.
I hope your situation continues to improve!

Jump to this post

I have Narcolepsy which has a lot of symptoms in common with hypersomnia. The stimulants don't keep me awake either. I had a terrible reaction to Modafinil and Armodafinil. Adderall doesn't keep me awake, but makes me more alert between naps. I now added Xyrem, and I guess the jury is still out.

I hope you find something!

REPLY
@timbrownfl

I have Narcolepsy which has a lot of symptoms in common with hypersomnia. The stimulants don't keep me awake either. I had a terrible reaction to Modafinil and Armodafinil. Adderall doesn't keep me awake, but makes me more alert between naps. I now added Xyrem, and I guess the jury is still out.

I hope you find something!

Jump to this post

@timbrownfl sorry you have had a problem with the meds.
For me, I am being tested for a new, to me autoimmune disease. Of course, one of the symptoms is fatigue. That is probably why the Armodafinil was not working for me.
This new issue I am being tested for, is neurological and potentially crippling. I would rather have hypersomnia!

REPLY

It's getting close to the 3 month mark wearing a CPAP. In general, things are improving.
(1) I'm able to wear the device the entire night
(2) My awake time is decreasing
(3) Deep sleep as measured by my Garmin watch is a little longer
(4) I'm nose-breathing, which I understand is a good thing.
(5) I'm getting to sleep faster than when I first started using the CPAP.
(6) My pressure settings are right on target.
(7) I've tried 3 different mask and have found that the RESMED F20 AirTouch with memory foam is the most comfortable to wear.
(8) Excessive tiredness during the day has lessened if I have a good night's sleep with the CPAP.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.