Has anyone ever been through a sleep study?

My son had one done a few months ago, so I can relate his experience. They wire you up in all kinds of ways -- to measure your brain waves, breathing rate, pulse rate, oxygen saturation, and even to see whether you're breathing through your nose or mouth. You can take a DVD with you if you like, they have a TV and radio in the room, just however you normally sleep. They have a closed circuit camera on you as well. The people working there record all the readings for interpretation by a sleep specialist doctor.

My son found he had sleep apnea and went back a week later to be fitted for a CPAP machine (continuous positive airway pressure). It's smaller than a laptop, preset to his needs, and has a small mask that just covers his nose. He was used to sleeping with it in just a night or two, and he's never been happier. He feels great, has tons of energy, memory's improved, and many more things.

I don't know if they'd let someone go with you, but you could call and ask. There's really nothing to worry about, but if it's the only thing holding you up, just give them a call and explain.

Good luck...

If it is the test you are leary about do not be overly concerned. The one I had required me to report on a specified night to a facility where they placed those electrodes like for an EKG on you. Then you are then taken to a small soundproof room with single bed. Your movements, waking periods etc are monitored from another room by the testing staff.

You might think you have a sound sleep but you might be very very surprised. I thought I had woken 4 or 5 times. The monitor on the other hand showed that I had 160 sleep interruptions that night.

Yes I have sleep apnea.

Though mine is of a mild form I understand some can be fatal where a person just stops breathing.

I have not had a sleep study but my husband has. It was the best thing he ever did, they found out he has sleep apnea, and now on a c-pap machine at night. He says he has never felt better now the he actually gets a good nights rest.

I had one done on me when I was young. I was not allowed much sleep the night night before so that I would fall asleep for the test. They wanted to learn about me and what was relatively new at the time--hyperactivity. I have since learned how to channel my hyperactivity and use it on the job or as seemingly unlimited energy when playing sports with friends...