4 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Sleep Test

Are you a chronic snorer? Do you wake up feeling more tired than before you went to bed, or do you struggle to stay awake during the day? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you may want to consider visiting a doctor who specializes in this area to find out what is going on. Over time, low-quality sleep can take a real toll on your health. The specialist may recommend a sleep test in a lab to aid in diagnosis – keep reading to find out how to prepare if this is the recommendation for you. 

1. Learn What to Expect

Knowing what will generally happen during the sleep study will help alleviate any potential nerves you may have. A sleep test is noninvasive, and you will spend about 12 hours in a sleep clinic being evaluated while you snooze. You will be hooked up to various machines that will keep a record of your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and more. Once the diagnostic medical test is complete, the results will be sent to your doctor for review. 

2. Keep a Sleep Diary

Keeping track of your sleep habits in the weeks leading up to your appointment will provide further information about what might be causing your snoring or chronic fatigue. If your doctor advises you to, be sure to log things like what time you go to sleep, activities before bed, the quality of your sleep, and how you feel when you wake up. 

3. Communicate With Your Doctor

It is important that you provide your doctor with all relevant information to help them make an accurate diagnosis. Be sure to tell them about any medications you are taking because many can affect the quality of your sleep.  

4. Prepare & Pack Your Overnight Bag

The day before your sleep study, you should avoid any alcohol or caffeine past 2 pm. This will help to prevent any unusual disruptions and set you up for accurate results. You should also take time to pack your overnight bag – bring comfortable pajamas, toiletries, and a change of clothes for the next morning. You can usually also bring your own pillow and/or blanket to the facility if you wish. 

Knowing what to expect in the leadup to your sleep study can help you relax while you are there. If any other questions do arise while you are preparing, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor’s office or the facility itself. 

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Bernard L. Greenbaum, DDS is a highly-experienced dentist providing full-service dental care, including specialized care for sleep apnea and snoring. A diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Greenbaum stays on the cutting edge of the latest developments in sleep dentistry. To learn more about potential treatments for sleep apnea and snoring, contact his office by phone at (301) 530-3600.