You’ve just had another sleepless night. You’re struggling to maintain your focus during the day and your nights are filled with tossing and turning as you wonder why the heck you can’t just fall asleep.
Sleep troubles affect roughly 1/3 of the adult population of the United States according to the CDC.
One of the best ways to gain control over your sleep schedule is to participate in a sleep study, which you can do from the comfort of home. But what is a home sleep study, anyway, and what can you expect from it?
Keep reading to find out!
1. A Sleep Study can Save Your Life
Snoring is one of the most common and annoying sleep issues. But it’s also quite dangerous.
Snoring is caused by the restriction or blockage of the airway. As if that’s not scary enough, it’s also an indicator of a condition called sleep apnea.
Those with sleep apnea literally stop breathing throughout the night, leading to terrifying and sometimes fatal consequences.
So how does a sleep study work? Sleep studies look for the acute signs of sleep apnea, meaning an at-home study really could extend your life!
2. At-Home Studies Aren’t as Thorough…
If there’s one drawback to an at-home sleep study, it’s that you won’t have access to the same equipment you’d find in a lab. While you’ll still get valuable feedback, the results aren’t going to be nearly as conclusive or in-depth.
So, what equipment is used for a home sleep study? Not much, as it turns out!
Expect to go home with an oxygen-measuring device, something to measure general nasal airflow, and a belt that tests strain while snoring.
3. …But They Are More Accurate
Though the results won’t be as thorough, they will be more indicative of a typical night’s sleep for you. As such, home sleep studies can be more accurate than their counterparts since it recreates your typical sleep cycle.
Likewise, they’re generally more affordable, making in-home studies the better option for those looking to save money.
Ask which is best for you during your initial consultation.
4. Preparation Tips
Getting ready for your sleep study is easy.
Start by getting your bed ready like you would for a normal night of sleep. If you sleep a particular way or have a special mattress designed for a sleep position like you’d find at The Beloit Mattress Company, let the organization know ahead of time so they can adjust the results accordingly.
Next, be sure to avoid caffeine for at least six to eight hours before your test, as it can impact the results.
Finally, try not to doze during the day of your test.
What Is a Home Sleep Study?: A Brief Recap
So, what is a home sleep study? Potentially a way to save your life.
Aside from that, it’s a test that measures the amount of oxygen you receive during a given evening of rest. Whether you’re worried about your snoring, or you’re just looking to get a better night of sleep, talk to your doctor about a sleep study.
And don’t forget that we have plenty of other tips to help you live a long, healthy life! Check out the rest of our blog for more.
Read more about: Khatrimaza
