My doctor and respitory specialist suspect I have sleep apnea. I'm going to the hospital for an overnight sleep test since the one I was to do at home didn't work (I couldn't fall asleep so it came out negative). I'm worried that since I got so worked up and couldn't sleep at home that I'll have an even harder time sleeping with all the wires on me at the hospital.

What tips/ suggestions do you have for falling asleep during the test? (The sheet the hospital gave me said no caffeen after noon but it also said that no sleeping pills or relaxants are allowed since they'll altar the results)

Thanks in advance for your help!

I didn't find the wires or anything uncomfortable, but it was harder for me to fall asleep being in a different bed and a strange environment.....they also know that and, at least with my sleep study, were very understanding and helpful in anyway possible.  I also had a hard time getting to sleep because of my specific breathing condition.  My sleep test wasn't really to determine sleep apnea, but to see how I would react when going into surgery because of my cough syncope.  I would suggest NOT to get worked up, just relax and take it easy....  and try not to sleep much the day before, that might help too


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Thank you,
Brad Lyons
-Sr Sales Engineer-Sweetwater Sound
www.audioandmidi.com

Hi Happyflower,

What a great name   .  Take whatever you need to to feel comfortable, you own pillows, blanket, etc.  Here is my list:  pillow, wedge, fan, water bottle, meds. (you should take any meds. that you routinely take), magazines to read (but I fall asleep before I can read), cats (oops, they made me take that one off).  You get the picture.  Also, if you have any questions at all about what the set up is like and what to expect, call the sleep lab.  Usually they are very happy to answer your questions and calm your fears.

But most importantly, don't get worked up about not being able to sleep.  Nothing kills a sleep study like performance anxiety.  Rather, after all of your questions have been answered and you know what to expect and what you are taking, say, "OK, I'm going to go there and just let happen whatever happens and accept it.  And if I don't sleep, oh well, it's not the end of the world and I'll just try again someother time."

Anxiety is my middle name Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Hi Happyflower,

All the above advice is great!

And as was explained, be sure not to get any sleep or rest (or as little as possibe) in the hours before the study.
If you're like most of us before we were treated, falling asleep during the day is easy.... too easy.  Try your best to stay awake during the day.

And remember, during the test, they are looking for a minimum of a certain number of hours to conduct a proper test.  
It won't have to be a full eight hours of sleep.  I'm sure they will get what they need for a proper diagnosis.

Going with a good sense of humor  helps.  Look at is as an experience, a memorable one.
And if you're a little nervous, hey, everyone is.  It's expected.  Wear comfortable sleeping clothes.  Take a favorite pillow or whatever, if you want.
And whatever you do, make sure you use their bathroom before getting all wired up.  You can still go once wired (and that's a funny experience in and of itself!) but a prior pit stop can sure help.  If it's anything like the place I went to, there's a bathroom attached to the room where you sleep.

Take care.


Linda