OT has anyone gone for a sleep study?

sherry7899 · 02-18-14, 08:45 AM

I am sorry to start an OT thread. Has anyone gone for a sleep study? I've had a horrible time with insomnia, and I think I finally need to get something done.
I've been through medication (hate taking it), sleep tea, yoga, meditation, etc.

I am wondering how I can even get one done if I have trouble falling asleep in the first place.

I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks!
Sherry

toaster · 02-18-14, 08:52 AM

Sherry, I haven't had a sleep study done myself, but we refer clients sometimes. I think the fear of not being able to sleep is a pretty common issue, and I believe that the sleep clinics deal with that all of the time. Why don't you call a clinic and ask for information on this? They might have specfic recommendations for you. Sorry to hear that you have been struggling!

sherry7899 · 02-18-14, 08:57 AM

Thanks, Beth! I did find a local clinic that does sleep studies and uses a holistic approach. They are a sleep and wellness center. They even have a physical therapist who is a certified yoga/pilates instructor, and personal trainer.
They have a chiropractor and endocrinologist there as well, which is great since I have chronic pain issues and thyroid issues. I am not sure if the cause is physical or hormonal or both.

I need to check to see what our insurance would cover, and then I think I will schedule an appointment.

I like how this place treats the "whole person." There are several hospitals near us who do sleep studies, but I'd prefer somewhere that would extend beyond doing the study and sending you on your way.

Sherry

poohpeggy · 02-18-14, 09:00 AM

Please keep us updated. Yesterday the physician recommended my 17 yr old daughter have a sleep study done.

toaster · 02-18-14, 09:10 AM

Sherry, that sounds like a good clinic! Definitely seems worth a call.

sherry7899 · 02-18-14, 09:15 AM

I will update

Peggy, I am sorry your daughter is struggling with sleep.

I don't know if my regular physician has to refer me. She is affiliated with a local hospital, and I have a feeling she would just refer me there. I have to see if I have a choice about where to go.

Sherry

beth22 · 02-18-14, 09:53 AM

I've had 3 sleep studies done. One in Boston, the other two in CT (where I live). They were all very clinical--you get there at 8pm, they wire your head will all sorts of goo and about a dozen wires, go through some questionnaires, and then send you on your way to sleepy-land. I rarely have issues with falling asleep, it's staying asleep that's the problem so I can't comment on how you'd do during the study if you have trouble falling asleep normally. During the study they'd wake me up a few times to check on me and have me try different CPAP masks/pressures/etc. and then in the morning they wake you up, have you fill out a questionnaire and send you on your merry way. All three studies were done on Sunday nights and I learned the hard way after the first study that you really should take the next day (in my case Monday) off. You basically get no sleep at all between the late bedtime, constant wakeups, anxiety of the whole situation, and 6am wake up call.

Each study came back saying that I had moderate sleep apnea and I have gone to dozens of sleep specialists and tried dozens of cpaps. Nothing works. I swear, I haven't slept in almost 8 years. I snore terribly and can't sleep on my back because my airway gets closed and I can't breathe. I've seen ENT's, chiropractors, naturopaths, physicians, endocrinologists, had more studies/tests done than I can even keep track of and nothing helps. I never use my cpap anymore because it just never worked for me (and no matter what pressure or type of mask I used, I'd end up ripping the thing off in my sleep about an hour after fell asleep). I've talked to Dr's about having my tonsils removed, seeing if I should have some sort of surgery on my tongue because maybe it's too large, I've tried millions of mouth guards, and things that are supposed to hold my jaw forward, etc. No bueno.

I know this post went way off topic of what the sleep study in general is like and I apologize. It's just so weird for me. I've had these sleep problems since I was 22 (I'm 29 now) and have never been overweight. I'm 5'4 and about 115lbs. No one can explain the sleep apnea issue and why it's affecting me when it typically affects middle aged, overweight men more often than young, fit women.

Your sleep clinic sounds great--much more mind/body connected and not so clinical. I wish you the best and hope you gets the results/answers you're looking for. Just thought I'd share my experiences.

Good luck!

sherry7899 · 02-18-14, 10:00 AM

Beth, I am so very sorry you've had these issues. I totally understand. I really hope you can find somewhere that can get to the bottom of your issues and help you.

I don't want to go to a hospital sleep clinic for the reasons you've stated. I really hope I'll be able to go to the local clinic I've found.

I can't exercise when I'm so tired, but when I do exercise, I sleep better. It's a horrible cycle.

Hugs,.
Sherry

toaster · 02-18-14, 10:25 AM

Beth, have you heard about this new research for sleep apnea? I don't know if the treatment is yet available, but I thought I'd share... http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders...at-sleep-apnea

sciencelady · 02-18-14, 10:37 AM

I had one done about 14 years ago at a hospital sleep clinic. Like Beth, I reported in the evening, got wired and gooped up on my head (EEG), chest (ECG) and hand (finger sensor), and sent to sleep - I got to wear my own PJs. The room was a bit cozier than a standard hospital room (furniture, curtains) and had an adjustable Sleep Number bed so you could get comfy. It was a bit weird to try to fall asleep in a strange room without disturbing the wires, but I eventually did. They had a one-way observational mirrored window in the room to keep an eye on me while I slept - can't remember if there was a camera on me too. They woke me up twice during the night to try different things on me (CPAP). In the morning they unwired me, sent me to a interview room, went over my results and informed me about CPAP options, and sent me on my way. I would strongly recommend bringing a cap to cover your head as I didn't have time for a shower to remove the goop - not pretty

.

I did have sleep apnea - not too severe, but enough to need CPAP. It helped and was an inspiration to get off my excess weight as I didn't like being reliant on machines. No problems with sleep apnea since losing weight for me.

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02-18-14, 08:45 AM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	OT has anyone gone for a sleep study? I am sorry to start an OT thread. Has anyone gone for a sleep study? I've had a horrible time with insomnia, and I think I finally need to get something done. I've been through medication (hate taking it), sleep tea, yoga, meditation, etc. I am wondering how I can even get one done if I have trouble falling asleep in the first place. I'd appreciate any input. Thanks! Sherry __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

02-18-14, 08:52 AM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Sherry, I haven't had a sleep study done myself, but we refer clients sometimes. I think the fear of not being able to sleep is a pretty common issue, and I believe that the sleep clinics deal with that all of the time. Why don't you call a clinic and ask for information on this? They might have specfic recommendations for you. Sorry to hear that you have been struggling! __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

02-18-14, 08:57 AM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	Thanks, Beth! I did find a local clinic that does sleep studies and uses a holistic approach. They are a sleep and wellness center. They even have a physical therapist who is a certified yoga/pilates instructor, and personal trainer. They have a chiropractor and endocrinologist there as well, which is great since I have chronic pain issues and thyroid issues. I am not sure if the cause is physical or hormonal or both. I need to check to see what our insurance would cover, and then I think I will schedule an appointment. I like how this place treats the "whole person." There are several hospitals near us who do sleep studies, but I'd prefer somewhere that would extend beyond doing the study and sending you on your way. Sherry __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

02-18-14, 09:00 AM
poohpeggy Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: michigan	Please keep us updated. Yesterday the physician recommended my 17 yr old daughter have a sleep study done.

02-18-14, 09:10 AM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Sherry, that sounds like a good clinic! Definitely seems worth a call. __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

02-18-14, 09:15 AM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	I will update Peggy, I am sorry your daughter is struggling with sleep. I don't know if my regular physician has to refer me. She is affiliated with a local hospital, and I have a feeling she would just refer me there. I have to see if I have a choice about where to go. Sherry __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

02-18-14, 09:53 AM
beth22 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CT	I've had 3 sleep studies done. One in Boston, the other two in CT (where I live). They were all very clinical--you get there at 8pm, they wire your head will all sorts of goo and about a dozen wires, go through some questionnaires, and then send you on your way to sleepy-land. I rarely have issues with falling asleep, it's staying asleep that's the problem so I can't comment on how you'd do during the study if you have trouble falling asleep normally. During the study they'd wake me up a few times to check on me and have me try different CPAP masks/pressures/etc. and then in the morning they wake you up, have you fill out a questionnaire and send you on your merry way. All three studies were done on Sunday nights and I learned the hard way after the first study that you really should take the next day (in my case Monday) off. You basically get no sleep at all between the late bedtime, constant wakeups, anxiety of the whole situation, and 6am wake up call. Each study came back saying that I had moderate sleep apnea and I have gone to dozens of sleep specialists and tried dozens of cpaps. Nothing works. I swear, I haven't slept in almost 8 years. I snore terribly and can't sleep on my back because my airway gets closed and I can't breathe. I've seen ENT's, chiropractors, naturopaths, physicians, endocrinologists, had more studies/tests done than I can even keep track of and nothing helps. I never use my cpap anymore because it just never worked for me (and no matter what pressure or type of mask I used, I'd end up ripping the thing off in my sleep about an hour after fell asleep). I've talked to Dr's about having my tonsils removed, seeing if I should have some sort of surgery on my tongue because maybe it's too large, I've tried millions of mouth guards, and things that are supposed to hold my jaw forward, etc. No bueno. I know this post went way off topic of what the sleep study in general is like and I apologize. It's just so weird for me. I've had these sleep problems since I was 22 (I'm 29 now) and have never been overweight. I'm 5'4 and about 115lbs. No one can explain the sleep apnea issue and why it's affecting me when it typically affects middle aged, overweight men more often than young, fit women. Your sleep clinic sounds great--much more mind/body connected and not so clinical. I wish you the best and hope you gets the results/answers you're looking for. Just thought I'd share my experiences. Good luck!

02-18-14, 10:00 AM
sherry7899 Join Date: Jun 2003	Beth, I am so very sorry you've had these issues. I totally understand. I really hope you can find somewhere that can get to the bottom of your issues and help you. I don't want to go to a hospital sleep clinic for the reasons you've stated. I really hope I'll be able to go to the local clinic I've found. I can't exercise when I'm so tired, but when I do exercise, I sleep better. It's a horrible cycle. Hugs,. Sherry __________________ "Say you are tired and you will be. Believe you are strong and you are." (Sean O'Malley) The cat in my avatar is my sweetheart named Bonkers

02-18-14, 10:25 AM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	Beth, have you heard about this new research for sleep apnea? I don't know if the treatment is yet available, but I thought I'd share... http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders...at-sleep-apnea __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

02-18-14, 10:37 AM
sciencelady Join Date: May 2003 Location: Saint Paul, MN	I had one done about 14 years ago at a hospital sleep clinic. Like Beth, I reported in the evening, got wired and gooped up on my head (EEG), chest (ECG) and hand (finger sensor), and sent to sleep - I got to wear my own PJs. The room was a bit cozier than a standard hospital room (furniture, curtains) and had an adjustable Sleep Number bed so you could get comfy. It was a bit weird to try to fall asleep in a strange room without disturbing the wires, but I eventually did. They had a one-way observational mirrored window in the room to keep an eye on me while I slept - can't remember if there was a camera on me too. They woke me up twice during the night to try different things on me (CPAP). In the morning they unwired me, sent me to a interview room, went over my results and informed me about CPAP options, and sent me on my way. I would strongly recommend bringing a cap to cover your head as I didn't have time for a shower to remove the goop - not pretty . I did have sleep apnea - not too severe, but enough to need CPAP. It helped and was an inspiration to get off my excess weight as I didn't like being reliant on machines. No problems with sleep apnea since losing weight for me.