Polysomnography, also referred to as a sleep study, is a comprehensive test used to diagnose the source of sleep issues. Millions of people suffer from sleep issues, whether that is difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or both. If you have sleep issues, you may wonder when you should consider polysomnography. Below, you will find helpful information about polysomnographies and the ways they can alleviate your sleep issues.
When Should You Consider a Polysomnography?
Whether it is with falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, sleep issues have a severe and long-term impact on your quality of life. A sleep study can help identify the causes of your trouble sleeping so you can get the proper treatment. The following symptoms indicate that you might benefit from a sleep study.
Nightmares or Sleepwalking
If you experience unusual nighttime behaviors, such as intense nightmares or sleepwalking, a sleep study is likely necessary. These are examples of parasomnias, which are a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, and perceptions that occur during any of the stages of sleep. Luckily, these disorders can be effectively treated to the benefit of your sleep and overall quality of life.
People who experience parasomnias can also impact their partner’s sleep. Thus, getting tested and treated can ensure sound sleep for both you and the people you care about.
Loud Snoring or Interrupted Airflow
Sleep issues like loud snoring, gasping for air, or even ceasing breathing can be, or be indicative of, serious health concerns. These are all symptoms of sleep apnea, which describes a condition in which the breathing starts and stops throughout the night. Sleep apnea can have consequences on your sleep and general health that extend far into the future. Luckily, due to the commonness of sleep apnea, there are a variety of effective treatment options available to address and counter it.
Daytime Fatigue
Everybody feels tired some days. However, excessive daytime fatigue can impact your daily life and be a sign of underlying health complications. People who deal with daytime fatigue may experience issues with work or school, and both face and create additional danger when driving. Common sleep issues that lead to daytime fatigue include sleep apnea and narcolepsy.
Issues Falling or Staying Asleep
Irregular sleep patterns can lead to several health issues that can impact your long-term health, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Inconsistent sleep can also impact your mental health, inducing conditions like anxiety or depression. If you have irregular sleep patterns, polysomnography can help you understand which sleep disorder treatment would best help correct them.
What Happens During A Sleep Study?
Many people feel anxious prior to their polysomnography. That said, it is non-invasive, easy to complete, and should not be a cause of concern. Sensors are attached to the patient’s body during the overnight test. These monitor your brain waves, breathing, eye movements, and heart rate. All of this data will help to pinpoint the direct cause of your sleep issues and provide highly detailed results that will help your doctor create a customized treatment plan for you.
Sleep Disorder Treatments
Sleep is a significant factor in your overall health. It is more than just getting the right amount of sleep; you must also obtain a high quality of sleep, ideally seven to nine hours each night.
If you have had regular sleep issues for more than a few weeks, contact Dr. Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute today. He can provide you with a customized treatment plan to ensure that your sleep issues are effectively managed and that you can begin getting quality sleep.
