Has anyone experienced a sleep study?

I never had one but I used to work with a guy who had one, and he had to show up at the hospital in late evening to get the wires attached and they put this mask thing on him. He said he couldn’t sleep, and around 3:00 am he ripped the thing off his face and left, and went home to get a few hours of sleep.

Are you sure you don’t have GERD? I know before I lost a lot of weight (due to weight loss surgery) I had GERD, where I would sometimes wake up with acid in my throat, which made me feel like I was choking. I would have to sit up, couldn’t breathe because of the acid, and would have to swallow a bunch of times and maybe have some water to feel better. Weight loss made that problem go away totally. Just a thought.

Your insurance may cover this, so if you do go for the study, it might be covered. I had weight loss surgery, and if I needed a sleep study, it would have been covered. I think if you pay for it on your own it would be a ton of money, because it involves a lot of labor (people to hook up the monitors and supervise you on video, plus the hospital stay).

@jca: “He said he couldn’t sleep, and around 3:00 am he ripped the thing off his face and left, and went home to get a few hours of sleep.”

That’s my biggest fear. Go through all of this and get a bill for $2000.

As for GERD, I’m pretty sure I don’t. I never feel acid in my throat, and I am 6’1” 185lbs. I could stand to lose about 10 pounds, but not too overweight.

I’m going to call my insurance today. If it’s covered, I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try.

I had a sleep study. It is pretty common that you don’t get much sleep during the study, but that doesn’t matter. All they need is to see you fall asleep a little bit, and startle yourself away. They see your breathing patterns and they can make a diagnosis.

My insurance covered it. You can check with yours in advance to see if it covers it. It should (not that that means anything). Having sleep apnea puts you at higher risk for heart problems and high blood pressure and being overweight, I think.

The doctor’s solution to this problem is a CPAP machine. Some of us call it a sleep machine. It’s a mask you wear at night that forces air into your nose or mouth at a high enough rate that your soft tissues can not relax and close off your breathing tubes.

Apparently, there are other ways of keeping your soft tissues from closing things off. There is a dental solution—an appliance, I think, that holds your mouth at a certain angle which seems to prevent the problem. It doesn’t work for everyone and the appliance isn’t covered by insurance, which means you have to invest in it on your own. But if it works, it is a lot better than CPAP.

CPAP is covered by insurance, which may be why it is the more popular solution. They give you the machine and, in addition, give you new tubing and filters every few months. My wife really likes it because it makes white noise, and it keeps me breathing steadily. I used to stop breathing many times a night, which scared her.

If you have other questions, please ask. I know way more about this than I ever wanted to.

Yes, I have two of them – about 15 years ago and about 5 years ago. You go to a sleep study lab (mine was in the basement of a hospital) – comfortable bed, low lights, soft music if you want it.

They wire you up on an EKG machine, and have you wear an Oxygen sensor on your finger. There is some other instrumentation as well. At one point in the evening they say, “time to go to sleep”. They measure your breathing and BP and all sorts of other stuff for about half the night.

Then they wake you and have you put on a facemask (CPAP type) and have you go back to sleep. During the rest of the night they are changing the air pressure on the CPAP to see what is the adequate pressure to keep your airways open and reduce the wakefulness.

You end up with half of a good nights sleep, and a prescription for a CPAP machine to the pressure that was determined to be the best for you.

I did this and I have slept better ever since. This is definitely worth doing. Wearing a CPAP mask takes about a week to get used to, but it is SO MUCH more restful to sleep all night.

@elbanditoroso and @wundayatta – I’ll have to PM you with followup questions if I can get this scheduled. I have to admit that it sounds terrifying, and a complete recipe for a night of sleeplessness. But I think I have to try.

@tom_g – no problem

I’m a horrible sleeper when I am not comfortable. But I got a bit of sleep on the sleep study, to my surprise. It’s not a fun experience. You might want to schedule it on a Friday or a Saturday, if you can, so you don’t have to work the next day.

Just got off the phone with insurance. I have $500 deductible, and after that 85% of it is covered. I’ll probably get the ball rolling with my doctor. But do either of you know what the average cost of a sleep study is?

EDIT: Yikes. Googled it. Looks to be around $3000, so it looks like this will cost me about $1k.

I think it depends where you do it. I had mine at the Penn Sleep Center, which is a teaching center and is probably expensive. There are probably places where it is cheaper. I would call around to the various centers to see.

No. I have not done a sleep study, yet I’ve been an insomniac for most of my life.

However, you remember that little gizmo called a FItBit I told you about? It has helped me increase my sleep by over an hour. I’ve been using it since last March. When you input the data from your sleep, it shows how often you’re awake during the night. Amazing little gizmo for $99.

I now know when I need to relax more prior to bed, when I’ll need a little extra melatonin to assist with better sleep , and I now have visual proof that certain exercise helps me sleep more, while other types of exercise ruins my sleep pattern completely.

@SpatzieLover – Thanks. Yeah, I did buy that Fitbit, but returned it because it was logging way too many steps during my frequent commutes/driving. Other than that issue, I like it though. FYI – They just released 2 new models. I have been unable to find any info on whether or not they addressed the logged steps during driving issue.

I should try melatonin. If it would help me get to sleep, I’d feel more comfortable with doing the sleep study.

I know you returned it…After one day. I think you should try again @tom_g. It’s an amazing device for the price. You can get free pedometer apps for your phone. You cannot get the same type of help for sleep pattern recording for such a low price.

And, yes, Melatonin is a life saver in my home. Now, all 3 adults and one child get a minimum of 3mg per night, and all of us are healthier than ever.

Don’t go with list price… call your health insurance and ask them what it will cost you. They will have a contract rate.

My husband had a sleep study in the Rochester, NY area… I can forward any questions of yours on to him if you’d like.

As the wife of someone with serious sleep apnea, I don’t think it would be a waste of time at all. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you sleep well during the sleep study… they monitor your brain waves and oxygenation and get whatever info they need (although you will likely feel like you didn’t sleep well).

@SpatzieLover: “I know you returned it… After one day.” [my emphasis].
Yeah, my wife rolled her eyes when I said I was returning it. “90% of the things you buy are returned in less than 24 hours!” I might try it again sometime. :)

@Cupcake – My wife is the one pushing me to do this. At this point, she is 100% convinced I’m not breathing at certain points during the night, and she is terrified.

My insurance company told me that they can’t provide info on how much it will cost. They said that I need to find a place and just make sure they are in network. (They were sooo helpful~). I’ve got some shopping/price comparison work to do.

@tom_g Yay for insurance~.

My husband’s PCP recommended the place he went to… might have been Sleep Insights. He said they were all VERY nice and the beds were super comfy.

I’ve known a dozen or so people who have undergone the extensive sleep study and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. My brother-in-law is the latest in my list. The number one question to me is whether or not you are willing to commit to wearing the C-Pac mask and actually using the machine. If you aren’t, you are wasting your time and money.

@bkcunningham – you have it right. If you don’t wear it, nothing improves. And not all masks are the same. The first one they gave me, I couldn’t stand. It was a full face mask like a hockey goalie.

The one I have now is just a couple of soft pillows directed up my nostril. MUCH more comfortable.

My fiancé went at my urging. He said it wasn’t too bad, and they did find that he has sleep apnea. He went back for the second study and they tried a few options, and found a CPAP machine that sits under his nostrils. They came to the house and showed him how to use it.

He said he felt better from the first use. He’s had it for over a year and taken it along when we travel. A couple times he’s had business travel for just one night and didn’t bring it for that, and he says he notices the difference.

The sleep study is known that you won’t really sleep the same as at home; but if you have apnea in a lighter stage of sleep, then it is surely occurring in deeper sleep cycles. Most insurance covers the study and the equipment; although some insurers are now balking a bit, since many apnea patients have it as a result of preventable factors, such as obesity. So they pay out the wazoo for this equipment and often other preventable conditions, like blood pressure and diabetes meds, but the patient doesn’t make the lifestyle changes to abate the conditions by losing weight. I wouldn’t be surprised if insurers don’t start putting lifetime caps on these types of treatments when co-morbidity factors like obesity or smoking are present and the patient is not proactive.

I work in an ENT office, and suggested that one of my hearing aid patients see our Drs. for sleep issues. The next time I saw him a few months later, he said that he was doing really well with CPAP. He added that prior to that, he was under the care of a Urologist because he went to the bathroom so frequently during the night, but they couldn’t find the problem. Since CPAP, it is significantly less. He told me he scolded his Urologist for not considering that he got up to pee because he was awake (from apnea), instead of assuming that he was not sleeping because he had to pee. That’s one of the challenges of our highly specialized medical practitioners.

I am not sure if this applies but I’ll throw it out there anyhow….the major university in the town where I live does sleep studies all the time. I see them on Craigslist….they are a few weeks long (you live at the university during this time) and you are compensated for your time. I’m not sure if this would benefit you, and I’m not sure entirely how they work because they have turned me down for various seemingly unimportant reasons each time. (I had a roommate who applied for it too and was turned down for a questionable reason)....but if you could get into one of those, maybe it could be mutually beneficial to you and whoever was doing the study?

I have had 3, all covered by my insurance. First had to do a questionnaire, and from that they decided I needed to start with the full on, observed sleep study. If the questionnaire had been less decisive they would have started with something I did at home in my own bed with portable equipment.

The beds at the sleep center were very comfortable, but it still took about an hour to fall asleep. Wires hooked up all over you and you know someone is watching you.

The second study was because I didn’t reach the apnea frequency threshold until halfway through the night, then I went “moderately severe”, so they didn’t try a C-pap on me to see what worked. I had to retest 2 days later so they could figure out what pressure setting would work for me.

The third test was after using C-pap for 10 years to see if I needed a pressure change.

I did a sleep study last week. It was expensive, but I am very glad I did it. The results were so interesting to me.

I sometimes feel like I have trouble getting oxygenated in the middle of the night. It is not a lung or asthma thing, my lungs are always clear and fully expand. It is better when my thyroid numbers are in a good place, and I think it is because my heart rate is a little faster. During the study I did not have a very bad night, meaning I did not have a very difficult episode where I feel I am not gettng enough air. However, my oxygen did get down to 94%, which was interesting, because whenever the test my oxyrgen on my index finger it is always 98% or better, so I had no idea it does indeed go down at night, maybe sometimes lower than 94%. my heart rate went down to 45. Which I also think contrubutes to the feeling I have, but I already knew my rate goes very low at night, especially when I need a little more thyroid meds.

I have always felt I spend possibly more time in deep sleep, similar to young children. I asked the doctor about it, and in fact I do spend a little longer than the average adult. I don’t think he was going to mention, he seemed surprised I suspected it.

But, here is the most interesting piece of information…the doctor said I have alpha intrusion during my sleep. He went on to say they see this in patients with autoimmune diseases like fybromalgia, and named a few others. I have a lot of muscle trouble, which he did not know about, so this intrigues me. I think this information might be another piece of my puzzle. This particular doctor was incridibly knowledgable and willing to talk a little. He told me about some small studies that have been done with some neuro drugs to stop the alpha intrusion and that some people had positive results with their autoimmune problems, but it is all anticdotal, no drugs have been approved for this use. He also spent a few minutes telling me to look up some other muscle disorders with the symptoms I described, which I really appreciate. I plan on reading up about alpha intrusion and the muscle problems he mentioned. Just being able to talk to a doctor who genuinely seemed incrediby interested in his specialty, and intrigued by new infornation from what researchers are doing to my own condition not only might help my physical help, but is a comfort for me psychologically.

I thought I would mention I don’t have trouble falling asleep and I don’t consider myself an insomniac even though I sometimes do wake up at 3:00 in the morning, up for a couple hours, and then go back to sleep. I go through periods where it might happen 2 or 3 times a week for a few weeks, and then have 3 months where maybe it happens once, and I sleep through the night 7–9 hours no problem. It was not determined I need when of those breathing machines with what they observed my small bits of apnea were considered to be within normal limits. I also sleep fairly still, minimal turning.

I think if your wife thinks you stop breathing that you most likely do.

One last interesting story, a friend of mine, her oldest daughter was diagnosed with have tonsils need to be removed for a couple reaons, one of which was the doctor believed they were blocking her breathing somewhat. The doctor said once they were removed (she was 8 years old) she would sleep better through the night and most likely stop wetting the bed. Once it was done and a couple weeks passed, she wet the bed one more time and never again, and slept better through the night. It was magical.

update: I had a sleep study done last night. It was very uncomfortable (all the wires, couldn’t sit up, etc). I did get 2.25 hours of sleep, so they have some data to work with. But it will apparently take about a week to get the full results. Also, the woman monitoring me didn’t see any major problems.

obstructive and central sleep apnea (moderate). Going back for another study with CPAP/ASV. Damn.

@tom_g Is that when they out the breathing machine thingy on you? My sleep study they put you on it that night if they think you might benefit.

I was really lucky that the doctor who does my study called me the next day and had an interesting conversation with him. He seemed really into his work and interested in what the results might mean relative to research being done regarding people with my similar sleep circumstance.

Yes, they will fit me with a device and see how I do. Likely, however, they’ll have to go with a more advanced device because of my central sleep apnea. I am not sleeping at this point because I actually stop breathing and it’s quite disturbing. Yet, I can’t seem to get immediate help for it. It’s going to have to involve a wait for this 2nd study, then a wait for an actual device. I’m also bracing for a nightmare insurance situation.

Sounds like my hubby. I bet your wife is so glad you went for the study. Be prepared, but hopefully insurance won’t be that big of a hassle.

@tom_g So they did not have a machine available at the original sleep study? Interesting.

Update on this nightmare: After 3 sleep studies and a front-row seat at the horror show called “American Healthcare”, I finally have a sleep device. I have central sleep apnea (not the common obstructive kind). My brain simply fails to tell my body to breathe. So a standard CPAP didn’t work. They gave me a Resmed S9 series ASV titration thing. Anyway, last night was the first night with this thing, and I didn’t sleep. For those that use a device (even a traditional CPAP), did it take time to get used to it? I’m progressively slipping into a coma.

Very interesting, I am so glad you updated us. That is exactly how I described myself to my doctor, I think my brain does not always remember to breath while a asleep. Specifically, when my nose is a little stuffy and breathing is a strain, I don’t switch to taking in air through my mouth. At least that is how it seems to me. However, while in my sleep study I had a relatively good night, unfortunately, I knew when I woke up I had not struggled to breath much.

My fiancé took a little getting used to it, but not that he couldn’t sleep at all with it.

What about it kept you awake?

I was gulping air, causing extreme discomfort and gas. I was also hyperventilating.

So you feel the airflow was too strong? Can you lower it a notch or two?

The ResMed.com site has more info on the device and its function, and there’s a forum called CPAPtalk.com where you might gain more insight. Good luck!

Thanks @hearkat. I spoke with the sleep center. They are going to possibly lower the pressure temporarily, and get back up over a 2 week period. Apparently, during my 3rd sleep study, my central sleep apnea events disappeared at a pressure of 11. But to adjust the pressure, they need to get an authorization from my doc or something.

(I did actually sleep – for short periods throughout the night – last night. So, maybe it will just take some time to get used to this.)

I hope you get used to it soon… and get a good night sleep!!

I have CPAP, and was able to get used to it right away.

What does your machine do? If you have air pressure, then you must have a mask. So how is it different from CPAP?

This provides some info on ASV. Basically, it’s more advanced and significantly more expensive, and is really the only hope for those of us with central sleep apnea. Rather than just a steady pressure, it constantly adjusts.

From my 6 nights with it, I believe this should also be listed in article 3 of the Geneva Conventions on human rights along with other torture methods. I feel worse with it and my nights are pure torture. According to the forums, ASV takes a long time to get used to.

Mine is supposed to adjust, too. When I’m breathing out, it doesn’t blow so hard. I have to say that was a comfort to me. I did not want to be fighting to breathe out. I use a nasal pillow. My father uses a full face mask. He couldn’t get used to the pillow. Have they suggested a different facial appliance yet?

The sleep center offers 3 different face masks: a nose-only thing, which was awful. I went with the better fitting full face one. I have the ResMed S9 VPAP Adapt w/humidifier attachment and the Mirage Quattro mask

The nasal pillow (hate that name) works really well for me. But people are all quite different. I have the Respironics Remstar Pro M Series. Don’tcha just love these names? It has a humidifier, which works a bit erratically.

My fiancé also uses the nose pillow, and he has a humidifier that is adjustable, so he can increase it now that it’s winter and the air is dryer, but I don’t think he has felt a need to do so.

Central sleep apnea is a scary thought for me… the brainstem just forgets to breathe?

@hearkat: “Central sleep apnea is a scary thought for me… the brainstem just forgets to breathe?”

Yep. During my sleep studies, I would frequently just stop breathing for about 60 seconds. It is scary.

@tom_g: Yikes! Does something on the EEG show that it’s central and not obstructive?

@tom_g I remember you had a terrible night trying to sleep when they were evaluating you. I’m sure most people don’t sleep well all hooked up, but I wnder if you not only stop breathing, but also are a light sleeper in general. My sleep was not horrible when they evaluated me, but I sleep very soundly and deeply. In fact, even my evaluation showed I spend more than the average adult in deep sleep. So, I wonder if adjusting to the machines is much harder for light sleepers, and if you are a light sleeper in general? My husband is so easily awoken it drives me crazy.

@JLeslie – It’s interesting. I have always been a light sleeper – especially since having kids. If someone got up to use the bathroom, I heard it. If it started raining out or my wife rolled over on her side, I would hear it. I used to describe it as being awake while sleeping. Apparently, this is common among people with apnea at my level because I am never truly in a deep sleep.
All 3 sleep studies were rough. But they all show that I did “sleep” for periods of time. It was enough to show some troubling breathing events, apparently.
According to the forums, adjusting to ASV takes anywhere from “weeks to months”. I have had conversations with some people who had used CPAP for years, but switched to ASV and found it almost impossible at first. It seems that many people experience immediate results when treating obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP, and there is very little transition.

I know so little about these machines. Too bad you have to be part of the statistical norm and have trouble getting used to it. Would have been nice to be an outlier and wake up the first day after using it saying you had the best night sleep in years.