Find Available Sleep Studies

If you're feeling tired, lethargic, and achy all the time but can't explain why - it could be the lack of quality restorative sleep. To diagnose any potential underlying issues causing your fatigue, it's important to get an accurate assessment of your sleep habits.

That’s why many adults choose to participate in sleep studies: an effective way for doctors to monitor and analyze a patient's sleeping cycles over a period of time to pinpoint the source of daytime fatigue or exhaustion. Learn more about how studying your sleep patterns can benefit your overall health and discover what participating in a sleep study entails today.

Understanding Sleep Studies

A sleep study - also known as a polysomnogram (PSG) - is an overnight assessment that monitors your breathing, heart rate, and brain activity while you are sleeping. This test can help diagnose any sleep disorders or abnormalities impacting your quality of restorative sleep. During the study, sensors will be placed on various areas of your body to measure your vital signs throughout the night.

Benefits of Sleep Studies

Participating in a sleep study offers many benefits. The most important reasons to consider participating in a study are to help contribute to the advancement of science and benefit from personalized insights on your sleeping habits. By being part of a study, you can gain an understanding of why you may experience difficulty falling asleep, and develop strategies for better sleep hygiene.

Furthermore, studies often offer compensation for participants, making it an economically accessible and beneficial way to learn more about how poor sleep may be affecting you or those around you. You’ll be taking part in potential groundbreaking research that could potentially affect millions of people globally and even improve the quality of sleep worldwide.

Sleep studies provide critical insight into your overall health, helping diagnose conditions such as:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: a breathing disorder that results in blocked airflow during sleep (which can be life-threatening).

• Insomnia: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night.

• Restless Leg Syndrome: an urge to move your legs due to an uncomfortable sensation.

• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: repetitive leg movements that can occur during sleep.

• Narcolepsy: a neurological disorder causing excessive daytime fatigue and sudden muscle weakness.

By understanding what’s causing your sleeping difficulties, you can receive the proper care and treatment to get back on track with quality restorative sleep.

How to Participate in a Sleep Study

Your primary doctor may refer you for a sleep study if they suspect any underlying issues causing your fatigue or exhaustion. However, self-referral is also an option depending on insurance coverage and other factors. Check with your provider for more details.

Where to Find and Schedule a Sleep Study

Most hospital systems or medical centers offer in-person sleep studies, but there are also telemedicine options available for remote self-administered at-home tests. Check with your insurance provider for details about coverage and approved locations before scheduling your appointment, and consider searching for a study near you via the websites below.

• NarcalepsyLink.com: a website with a directory of over 3,000 sleep centers and labs across the US.

• SleepEducation.org: a free online tool to help you find and schedule a sleep study near you.

• TheSleepDoctor.com: an organization providing resources and information about sleep studies.

Tips for Preparing for Your Sleep Study

• Follow any specific instructions provided by the clinic or facility where you will be tested.

• Wear comfortable clothing that you can sleep in.

• Bring any medications, eyeglasses, contacts, or CPAP machines (if applicable) that you may require during the night.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your study, as these can interfere with test results.

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in.

By participating in a sleep study, you can take the first step towards improving your overall health and quality of life. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can get back to enjoying the restorative sleep your body needs. If you’re feeling concerned about fatigue or exhaustion, talk with your doctor today about how a sleep study may be able to help. Good luck!