Wheelchairs: Mobility Options for You

Office And Home Sleep Studies

Sleep apnea is a condition that involves breathing interruptions while sleeping. Restlessness, snoring, and random pauses in breath are traits tied to this type of sleeping disorder. If your partner has shown a concern for your sleeping difficulties and you often feel groggy during the day, a sleep study is a process that can be used to determine if you suffer from sleep apnea.

A Sleep Center

A sleep center is a facility where testing takes place. A client is provided with a private room to sleep in and is monitored remotely. A clinician will be seated in a room that adjoins the room where a patient is sleeping. They will observe breathing patterns, brain activity, muscle movements, and oxygen flow. Bands and surface electrodes are often worn by the person who is participating in the study.

The electrodes are non-invasive conductors that may be secured to an individual's forehead and temples. Bands will be wrapped around the chest and abdomen. This equipment will be attached to a monitoring unit. The unit will relay information to the clinician.

If you decide to undergo a sleep study, you may be advised to abstain from alcohol and caffeine, prior to your study. Stimulants could interfere with your ability to fall asleep and could produce inconsistencies in your testing results. You may be directed to bring a pair of pajamas to the study. A pillow will be provided, but you may be eligible to bring one from your home. A sleep study should be treated as a normal night of sleep. Lights will be dimmed or turned off during your scheduled sleep time. 

A Home Study

A home study is conducted at a client's home. A clinician will not be present for this type of study. A client will need to meet with a clinician in advance and collect the equipment that will be used to monitor sleep patterns. Often, portable equipment is provided to people who prefer to participate in a home study. An overview of how to use the equipment will be provided.

If you decide to participate in this type of study, your clinician will provide you with a list of guidelines to follow. They may advise you to go to sleep at your scheduled time. The equipment that is attached to you will record all of the information that your clinician will ultimately review. Upon the completion of your study, you may be requested to consult with your clinician in person.

Contact a company like Upstate Sleep Solutions to learn more.


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