While full body check-ups assume significant importance, what most people tend to overlook is an analysis of their sleep patterns. On average, we need around seven to eight hours of sleep every night. When we compromise on the number of hours, it has an adverse impact on our brain and body functions. Inadequate sleep hours can result in chronic physical and mental health ailments as well.
If you’re one of the several people facing sleep-related issues, it’s high time you get a sleep study.
If you have been advised by your doctor to undergo a sleep study, you must be wondering about the procedure and its results. A sleep study is basically a non-invasive analysis carried out overnight for monitoring the brain and body functioning while you’re asleep.
Several sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, night terrors, sleepwalking and REM sleep behaviour disorder, can be diagnosed using this technique. If left untreated, such sleep disorders can contribute to several medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, among others.
The sleep study procedure involves recording the breathing pattern, brain waves, blood oxygen level, and heart rate, along with all the body movements while you’re asleep. It can be done in a special sleep centre or within the comfort of your home. All the data is recorded through sensors and later evaluated by the doctor.
There are several types of sleep studies depending on your symptoms. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
A commonly used form of sleep study, this procedure involves analysing the sleep pattern by a sleep technician in a special clinic. Several body functions are monitored throughout the night.
This procedure involves giving the patient around 4-5 opportunities to sleep every two hours during the daytime. It mainly helps in examining the reasons behind excessive daytime sleepiness.
A home sleep test is one of the most convenient ways of diagnosing sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea. As the name suggests, it is done within the comfort of your home using high-quality equipment. It is carried out through a breathing monitor to track the breathing pattern and oxygen level. Sleep coach consultation is also included if you book your home sleep test with ResMed. It is cost-effective and available across India.
After undergoing a sleep test, you get detailed medical information about your sleep pattern.
How do you decide if you need a sleep study done? Well, there are several signs that highlight the need for scheduling a sleep test. Listed below are the most important ones:
Do you toss and turn or become restless while trying to sleep? It could be a sign of insomnia. A common sleep disorder, it is characterised by an inability to fall asleep. Additionally, insomniac people are unable to get rid of feeling tired even after waking up. It is important to note that these symptoms are experienced constantly and not just once in a while.
Facing trouble in staying asleep for long stretches during the night? Well, it could be a prominent sign that you need to undertake a sleep test.
Majority of the people who snore suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Loud or long-term snoring is yet another indicator of sleep disorders which need medical evaluation. However, even occasional or light snoring can also point out to health ailments, and the sooner you’re diagnosed, the better it is for your overall health.
A common sleep-related issue which can wake you up throughout the night. It can be experienced in the form of suffocation in a recurring dream and can be a sign of a severe medical condition that you shouldn’t ignore.
Do you often find yourself wondering why you are so tired throughout the day? Well, it can be a major sign that something is wrong with your internal body functioning, which calls for immediate medical attention. If you’re tired without any reason, it becomes important to consult your healthcare provider for figuring out the cause at the earliest. Undergoing a sleep test can help you in knowing the reason behind your fatigue.
The inability to concentrate can also indicate underlying sleep-related disorders. It can affect your personal as well as professional life and has a direct link with stress, fatigue and inadequate sleep hours. For anyone experiencing consistent memory lapses and concentration issues, it becomes important to undergo a sleep test.
If any of the aforementioned symptoms seem relatable, you should discuss them with a sleep study specialist at the earliest. Certain lifestyle changes and medications can help you ensure a sound sleep, which is crucial for your overall physical and mental well-being.
Disclaimer: The facts and information provided in the article have been obtained from reputed medical research organizations. The content is suggestive in nature and should not be taken as medical advice. Readers are recommended to contact their healthcare professional for more information on sleep tests and its usage.