A lot of men who snore, have insomnia or other health issues are sent in for a sleep study, also known as polysomnography. These non-invasive tests are sometimes done at home, but more often are held in a sleep lab at a hospital or sleep center. There’s nothing to be afraid of and the results can tell you a lot about why you’re having health or sleep-related problems.
How a sleep study works
Typically, you’ll arrive two hours before bedtime. You can bring your pajamas, reading material, etc.—but don’t do anything different than you normally do before bed. You’ll probably be advised to take whatever medications you normally take—and at the same time as usual.
You’ll be escorted to a room with a bed and a technician will attach electrodes to your head and body. They’re typically not very restrictive, so you’ll still be able to get comfortable for your usual sleeping positions. The sensors will provide data to the people monitoring you while you sleep. It’s common for the results to take up to two weeks and you’ll probably need to do a follow-up with your doctor to discuss them.
Don’t worry that you won’t get a full night of sleep; the technicians don’t need 8 hours to gather data.
What the sensors monitor
The EEG will provide information on your sleep stages, as well as REM and nonREM sleep, to identify any sleep disruptions.
It also measures oxygen levels in your blood, snoring, body movements, muscle tone, eye movements and heart and breathing rates.
Home sleep test kits
If you’ll be taking the test at home, you’ll get a portable monitor and instructions. Normally, this type of test involves attaching a clip to your finger, putting a belt around your mid-section and placing an airflow sensor under your nose before turning on the monitor.
You’ll return the device the next day and a sleep technician will review the results and provide you or your doctor with a detailed report.
