I’m trying to write a story about an insomniac. And I’ve heard some people go to sleep therapy and take tests to figure out why they can’t sleep sometimes. I was wondering what happens at sleep therapy and what kind of testing would be done?
Thanks, Guy. that helps me a toooooon.
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#1 by Guy Withagrin on September 1st, 2010
A sleep study test involves a lot.
First you have to see a sleep specialist who makes you an appointment with the sleep lab.
When you go to the sleep lab, you go in about an hour before normal bedtimes, usually around 8pm, sometimes as late as 10.
They take you into the bedroom, where there is usually a queen size bed, chair, fan, light, tv, nightstand, cameras and some monitors.
Then you get ready for bed, they sit you in a chair, and hook up a whole lot of wires to you.
There is an EKG monitor and those wires, I think 6. An oxygen monitor that slips on your finger. A wire next to one of your eyes, another one next to the opposite side of your mouth. Several wires on your legs to see if you have RLS, and sometimes an air mask. Then they put a head band on you and to keep the wires still on your head. A belt around your waist to help the wires stay in place there.
Once hooked up to all of this they tell you to go to sleep. My first three sleep studies I just said, yeah right.
You lay down, and get comfortable, but if you sleep on your stomach they will come in and tell you to roll over. They prefer you sleep on your back. Sides are OK but not preferred and stomach is a no-no.
Then the technician watches you sleep, and everything is recorded on a computer.
Once you have the study done then you have to wait for the sleep specialist to get back in touch with you, and then go from there. If you have sleep apnea he will prescribe a C-pap or Bi-pap machine and mask. For insomnia he will try lots of different sleeping pills. I know I am on 3 separate ones that I have to alternate through so that I do not get use to any one.