mhnysweet

I am a sleep tech. Sedation; such as sleeping pills; (Ambien, Lunesta or any other sedating medication used for relaxation), does increase the number of apneas and hypopneas that a person will have; for the first two hours of a sleep study. It basically exacerbates the situation. This is not falsely testing. It is only showing how bad you can be on your worst night. Often times physicians do prescribe sleeping medication for a sleep study. You must sleep in order to have a sleep study. If your primary physician is against sleep medications for the sleep study; ask for a pre-study consult with the sleep lab physician. Physicians used to be against sleep medication prior to a sleep study; but due to better education; most now know it only helps the situation.
Good Luck,
Sleepygirl

For my test, we took the machine home and hooked ourself up before going to bed. By mistake, instead of my finger, I put my thumb in the hole, which was a tight fit and uncomfortable all night.... now I wonder if that's why I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea? My bmi is (only, haha) 35, but that test is the only reason they approved the surgery!

My BMI was 35.1 when I first started trying to get approved. I got denied because I didn't have heart disease, lung disease or sleep apnea. By the time I wrote my appeal letter, I had gained a few pounds and my BMI was 36.7.
I had to write a letter of appeal to BCBS. I wrote a letter of medical need, then a letter of emotional need, then I gathered letters of support from my GP, GYN, Podiatrist, and Gastrointerologist. Then my bariatric surgeon sent the entire package through with his endorcement.
BCBS called me directly and said my letter was amazing and that they decided to approve me.
If you have to appeal, I'd be happy to share my letters with you, just post your email and I'll send them to you directly.
Good Luck!
Suzanne