Are you exhausted by the afternoon, even after a full night’s sleep? Do you often wake up with a headache? Do you ever have a difficult time concentrating at work? Or, you might be wondering, “What is Sleep Apnea?” It’s a common sleep disorder that can affect your quality of rest and overall health.
Dr. William Harper works with patients to coordinate and schedule sleep testing with your general practitioner. A physician is the only medical professional certified to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and related sleep disorders.
It is important not to make assumptions about your sleep issues. Sleep testing is integral to accurately diagnosing and choosing the best treatment option for your needs. If you do not have a regular physician and would like to be tested for possible sleep apnea, Dr. Harper can help you.
He will determine your risk and symptoms and recommend a local physician for a thorough evaluation. After we have evaluated and properly diagnosed your issue, we can recommend treatments. Dr. Harper provides a variety of sleep apnea treatments in the Hampton Roads area.
How to Prepare for Sleep Testing
Many patients want to ensure that they sleep during their sleep test. Waking up earlier than usual and not napping before the sleep test can increase your chances of sleeping soundly during your test.
Before sleep testing, there are multiple things you can do to prepare:
- Avoid Sleep Aids: If you take melatonin or sleeping medication, talk with your doctor before testing. They will most likely tell you not to bring sleep aids. Sleep aids are only required if you do not fall asleep during your test. However, most patients will eventually fall asleep.
- Don’t Drink Alcohol: Even if you drink to help you sleep better at night, alcohol can alter the results of your sleep testing. Refrain from drinking before your test.
- Avoid Caffeine: Do not drink tea, coffee, soda, or energy drinks before your sleep testing. Avoid chocolate and other foods that often hide caffeine.
- Don’t Wear Lotions or Gels: Avoid wearing body lotion or putting gel in your hair before your test, as they can make it more difficult to attach sensors.
You can bring a bag with pajamas and a pillow to your sleep test. Ensuring you are as comfortable as possible can help you sleep more effectively for your test.
Home Sleep Studies and Sleep Testing in Hampton Roads
Dr. Harper will evaluate whether you require an in-lab sleep study or home sleep apnea testing. We typically recommend a sleep study before sleep testing.
At-Home Sleep Study
A sleep study is performed in the comfort of your own home. It often occurs over one or more nights and uses portable sensors to measure airflow, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate. In-lab sleep tests use more sensors to measure different aspects of sleep apnea, including brain waves and body movement.
Once you complete the sleep study, you can return the sensors to your provider’s office. If you do not have any known sleep disorders or medical conditions, we will recommend an at-home sleep study for you.
At-home sleep studies are great initial tests for patients at risk of moderate sleep apnea. However, patients may require more testing after an at-home sleep study to distinguish sleep apnea from other sleep disorders and to obtain more information about their symptoms.
Sleep Testing
We may require sleep testing after your study. We may conduct aleep testing at a sleep center or hospital unit. Before the test, you will arrive at the sleep center, and a sleep technologist will ask about your sleep habits and symptoms. You will also get a room with standard blankets and pillows, though you can bring your own pillow so you’re more comfortable. A sleep test is called Polysomnography. To begin this test, a technician will attach electrodes to your arms, legs, chest, and head.
A polysomnography uses these electrodes to record:
- Brain waves
- Blood oxygen levels
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Arm and leg movements
- Eye movements
- Body position
Tests can determine the right treatment for your sleep disorder or adjust treatment to best suit your needs. After your sleep test, you will receive results in a week. A technician will chart your sleep stages and cycles, and a physician will review your sleep test to create a report.
Sleep Testing FAQs
Dr. Harper will work with your general practitioner to schedule your sleep testing or a sleep study at a facility.
What happens during a sleep test?
During a sleep test, we monitor a patient’s sleep overnight to diagnose sleep disorders. We place sensors on the body to record brain waves, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and eye and leg movements. The test can be conducted in a sleep lab or at home with portable equipment. The collected data helps doctors identify sleep disruptions and determine the appropriate treatment.
Do sleep tests hurt?
Sleep tests are non-invasive and do not cause pain. We place sensors on your body to monitor various activities while you sleep, but these do not hurt. Some people may feel slight discomfort due to the sensors or unfamiliar environment, but most patients find the process easy and manageable. The goal is to ensure a comfortable experience while gathering important data about your sleep patterns.
Should I have sleep testing?
You should consider sleep testing if you experience symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or feeling consistently unrested despite getting enough sleep.
How long is a sleep test?
A standard sleep test typically lasts one night, and we conduct it during your usual sleep hours. Sometimes, we extend or repeat a sleep study to gather additional data or use a home-based test. The duration allows for a comprehensive assessment of your sleep patterns and any rest disruptions.
Why should I get sleep testing?
Sleep testing helps diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, allowing for appropriate treatment to improve sleep quality and overall health. Identifying and addressing sleep issues early can prevent complications such as cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and reduced quality of life.
What happens if I can’t sleep during a sleep test?
If you can’t sleep during a sleep test, the technician will make adjustments to help you feel more comfortable and may offer relaxation techniques. While challenging, some data may still be collected, providing useful insights into your sleep patterns. If adequate sleep isn’t achieved, the test might need to be rescheduled or supplemented with additional monitoring to ensure accurate results.
Contact Our Office Today
Do you think you may have sleep apnea? Let us help! Call Dr. Harper for an examination at (757) 600-6535 or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Harper can help you find a sleep testing center near you.