Sleep Study: Why Some Patients Refuse

Sleep studies are a common diagnostic test that can help identify sleep-related disorders and conditions. They involve recording multiple systems in the body while you sleep, including brain activity, heart rate, breathing and more. While they are an incredibly useful tool, many people feel anxious about undergoing a sleep study, and some may not want to do it at all.

Unfamiliar environment

Sleep studies are a common diagnostic test that can help identify many sleep-related issues. However, the unfamiliar environment of a sleep clinic can make it challenging for some people to fall asleep or stay asleep. Here are some tips to make the experience more comfortable:

Maintain Your Routine

Adhering to your regular bedtime routine can help you feel more relaxed and calm in the unfamiliar environment of a sleep clinic. This includes sticking to your usual activities such as showering, getting dressed, and brushing your teeth before bed. If you usually read a book or listen to calming music before bed, bring those items with you to help you wind down.

Bring Comfort Items

Pack items that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. This may include cozy pajamas, your favourite blanket, or a pillow from home. You can also bring your toothbrush, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and any other personal items that are part of your usual bedtime routine.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing exercises and progressive relaxation techniques can help you calm your mind and body. For deep breathing, inhale slowly, hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly and mindfully. For progressive relaxation, start at your head or feet and tighten and relax one group of muscles at a time, moving through your entire body.

Avoid Electronics

Using electronic devices before bed can disrupt your sleep due to the blue light from screens. This includes avoiding clocks with bright displays, as checking the time when you're having trouble sleeping can aggravate your frustration and make it even harder to fall asleep.

Communicate with Staff

The clinic staff are there to help, so don't hesitate to communicate any concerns or needs you have. They can offer suggestions or ask a sleep specialist or your doctor for advice.

Remember that it's normal to feel anxious about sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, and it's common for people to sleep less during a sleep study due to the new surroundings. However, even if your sleep is interrupted, the data collected can still provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.

Uncomfortable equipment

Sleep studies are a common diagnostic test that can help identify sleep-related issues. However, the prospect of undergoing a sleep study can be daunting, and the equipment used may be uncomfortable for some.

During a sleep study, a technologist will place sensors on your scalp, face, chest, and legs. These sensors will record brainwave activity, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, body movements, nasal/oral airflow, respiratory effort, and oxygenation. In addition, your body position will be observed on video camera. All this information will assist your sleep physician in determining the cause of any sleep-related problems.

The sensors used in a sleep study include Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrocardiography (EKG or ECG), Electromyogram (EMG), and Electro-oculography (EOG). These sensors are attached to your skin with adhesive, and elastic belts are wrapped around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing. A clip is also placed on your finger or earlobe to monitor oxygen levels. While these sensors are generally not painful, they can be uncomfortable and take some time to get used to.

Additionally, the paste or gel used to attach the sensors can be difficult to remove and may require special products like warm water, conditioner, or rubbing alcohol. The process of attaching and removing these sensors can be time-consuming and tedious, and the sensation of having numerous wires and sensors attached to your body can be uncomfortable and restrictive.

Furthermore, the unfamiliar environment of a sleep lab or clinic can also contribute to discomfort during a sleep study. Being in a new place, surrounded by medical equipment and staff, can make it challenging to relax and fall asleep.

To mitigate the discomfort associated with the equipment used in a sleep study, it is recommended to communicate any concerns or allergies to the sleep technologist or healthcare provider beforehand. They may be able to make adjustments or provide alternatives to ensure your comfort. Additionally, bringing familiar items like your own pillow, blanket, or pajamas can help create a more comfortable and relaxing environment.

Time-consuming

Sleep studies can be time-consuming, requiring a significant amount of preparation and follow-up. Here are some reasons why:

Preparation

Before the sleep study, there are several steps individuals need to take to ensure accurate results. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine for at at least eight hours beforehand as they can disrupt sleep patterns and affect the study's results. Napping on the day of the test is also discouraged for the same reason. Individuals are advised to stick to their regular routines and bedtime habits as much as possible to promote natural sleep during the study. This includes maintaining a consistent medication schedule unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Additionally, certain skin and hair products, such as creams, lotions, hair gels, and hairspray, should be avoided as they can interfere with the sensors used in the study. Packing for the sleep study is also necessary, including items such as comfortable pajamas, a toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items.

Duration

Sleep studies typically take place during an individual's normal sleeping hours and last for one full night. However, in some cases, more than one night in a sleep lab may be required, depending on the condition being evaluated and the quality of the initial readings.

Follow-up

After the sleep study, it takes time to review and interpret the data collected. Sleep studies generate a large amount of data, including hundreds of pages of information and various types of charts and graphs. Sleep specialists and medical professionals are needed to analyze and make sense of this extensive data. This process can take up to two weeks before the results are communicated to the patient.

Inconvenient

Sleep studies can be inconvenient for several reasons. Firstly, they require preparation and adherence to specific guidelines beforehand. This includes avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as refraining from napping on the day of the study. Individuals may also need to discontinue certain medications and skin/hair products, which can interfere with the sensors used in the study. These restrictions and changes to one's routine can be inconvenient and disrupt daily habits.

Secondly, the sleep study environment itself may be uncomfortable and unfamiliar. The presence of multiple sensors, wires, and monitoring equipment can make it challenging to relax and sleep as one normally would. This is especially true for those who opt for an in-lab sleep study, as they must sleep in a new location surrounded by equipment and staff. The process of attaching and calibrating the sensors can also be time-consuming and cumbersome.

Thirdly, sleep studies can be inconvenient as they often require an overnight stay or a significant portion of the day. This means individuals need to set aside a full night or day for the study, which can interfere with work, personal obligations, or other commitments. The time commitment may be a burden, especially for those with busy schedules or those who cannot easily take time off.

Lastly, the process of organising and scheduling a sleep study can be inconvenient. Finding a sleep lab, coordinating with healthcare providers, and arranging transportation to and from the facility can add logistical challenges. These extra steps and considerations may deter individuals from undergoing a sleep study.

While sleep studies offer valuable insights into sleep patterns and potential disorders, the preparation, environment, time commitment, and logistics associated with the process can pose inconveniences that may deter individuals from participating.

Embarrassing

Sleep studies can be embarrassing for some people, especially if they are shy or self-conscious. The procedure involves attaching several sensors to your head and body, which can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. The sensors are placed on your head, face, chest, leg, finger or earlobe, and they record your brain activity, heart rate, muscle movement, eye activity, and oxygen levels, among other things. While this is a common and painless procedure, it can definitely be embarrassing for some people, especially if they are not used to having so many wires and sensors attached to their body.

In addition, sleep studies are often conducted in a sleep lab or clinic, which can also be embarrassing for some people. The idea of sleeping in an unfamiliar place, with medical staff nearby, can be uncomfortable and make people feel self-conscious. The sleep lab may also have cameras and audio recording equipment, which can further add to the embarrassment that some people feel.

Another potentially embarrassing aspect of sleep studies is the preparation required. You may need to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and naps on the day of the study, and you may also be asked to avoid certain skin and hair products. Packing comfortable pyjamas, a book, and other bedtime essentials can also be embarrassing if you are not used to bringing these items with you when sleeping away from home.

Furthermore, the results of a sleep study can be embarrassing for some people. The study produces a lot of data and information about your sleep patterns, including how much you move, how often you wake up, and whether you talk or walk in your sleep. While this information is important for diagnosing sleep disorders, it can be embarrassing to have your sleep habits so closely analysed.

Overall, while sleep studies are a common and important diagnostic tool, they can definitely be embarrassing for some people due to the sensors, the sleep lab environment, the preparation required, and the detailed results that are produced.

Frequently asked questions