Monitoring Your Sleep

Your doctor may order a sleep study as part of your evaluation. A sleep study tracks and records body functions while you sleep, either at a sleep clinic or in your own bed at home. The results of the study will help with diagnosing your problem and planning your treatment.

Overnight in a Sleep Clinic

If you spend a night in a sleep clinic, you will have a private bedroom. A technician will attach many sensors to your body, then go into another room. As you sleep, your heart rate, breathing, oxygen level, and other functions will be tracked.
A microphone and video camera will record your breathing sounds and body movements. The technician will keep watch nearby. if you need an air pressure device to help you breathe, one will be available.

Tips

Follow the instructions that the sleep clinic gives you to prepare for your sleep study. These may include:

• Bathe and wash your hair before the sleep study. Don’t use lotions, oils,
  or makeup on your skin.
• Stick to your routine. Ask your healthcare provider if you should do anything
  differently this night.
• Bring your pillow, sleepwear, something to read, and anything else that will
  help you sleep well.

Getting the Results

The results of your sleep study need to be scored and interpreted. Once this is done, your doctor will discuss the findings with you. The sleep study results will show whether you have apnea. It can also tell how severe the apnea is. The findings help your doctor know which treatment or treatments may be the right ones for you.