I am going for my sleep study tomorrow night, and I'm a little nervous. I've gone through an EKG, blood work, and a chest x-ray, but this is the only one that is freaking me out a little. I don't know if it is the prospect of sleeping away from home, or the fact that there are going to be strangers all around the building while I (try) to sleep.

Anyone have any words of wisdom or encouragement to help me survive tomorrow night? What should I bring with me?

Thank you so much

I was very nervous too but it wasn't bad at all. The facility I went to was very nice and the staff was amazing. The only part I didn't like was having to sit while they "hook you up" with a million cords. It sounds scary but not really. As far as what to bring... Wear comfy clothes and bring an extra blanket just in case you're cold natures. They give you more blankets if you ask but hospital blankets are so thin. I brought my pillow from home and my Bible bcuz I read it every night. You'll sleep fine. The cords aren't that inhibiting. Just make sure you tinkle before they hook you up. Good luck!

I was told by my Docs office to ask for a 'split' study.. meaning if I did need the CPAP machine they would come in wake me up and put it on me. This way I didn't have to go back again for another study with the machine on. There truly are a ton of wires you are hooked up to, but the tech who did mine was super nice and just talked to help keep my mind off of things. I actually slept really well there, I didn't think that I would. I unfortunately needed the CPAP machine so he woke me up and put the mask on and I was back to sleep in no time. All in all not a bad experience.

My experience was almost identical to bwhitty. They hook you up to a bunch of electrodes (stuck some on my scalp as well; glue was a bit of a pain to wash out). It's a bit difficult getting to sleep in the beginning being hooked up to so many things and knowing someone is watching on camera in another room, but they did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. Mine was also a split study which is convenient; no one wants to come back a second night. I had enough apneas in about a 2 hour period they woke me up and stuck me on a CPAP (still use one). I won't lie; it's all a bit awkward but there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. One of the easiest tests, actually; all you have to do is relax and sleep.

Awesome! Thank you so much for the replies. I'm going to ask about a split study. It would be extremely convenient not to have to go back a second night.

It might sound crazy, but I an hoping that it comes back that I do have sleep apnea. It would make it that much easier to get approved by my insurance . Plus, I know (pcp told me) that once I lose the weight, the sleep apnea will probably be gone.

Wish me luck!

The sleep study was not bad at all. I had a split study but the tech told me although I had several apnea events there were not enough to wake me. They made me come back for a 2nd night the next week. That was a bit frustrating.

They told me that I should treat it like any other night. If I had a drink or 2 before bed most nights then by all means feel free to do it for the sleep study. Just DON'T drink and drive.. duh.. and don't bring it in the hospital. I brought a laptop with a DVD and parked in the garage at the hospital where the sleep study was done. I had a sandwich for dinner and a couple of glasses of wine while watching a movie and then went inside. I snore louder after a glass or 2 of red wine according to my wife.

It was pretty much just as everyone describes. They hooks up a ton of wires, tuck you in and I think I watched TV for 1/2 hour or so then off to sleep. I get up early so by 5AM I was awake, cleaned up (lots of glue) and on my way.

CPAP is a pain ins the @$$ but hopefully I will be off it soon. I have been using my machine for about 9 months.

You will be fine. I'm sure after a few minutes they will make your evening as comfortable as possible.

I had to have one also. I finally got have a bed to myself. bed was comfy but all those wires was more frustrating. They said i did go to sleep but i have have figured out how. I hope all goes well. Good Luck!

You'll be fine and if you end up needing a cpap, it will change your life. I love my cpap and so does my wife.

Thank you Thank you! I am encouraged by everyones words .