Terrified of sleep study

[****505 girl 18]

I'm terrified to do the sleep study in the center. I have very severe ptsd at night to the point I literally stay awake until I pass out which also doesn't help with insomnia. I was sexual abused mainly at night so I am very freaked out knowing someone is watching me and can come into the room if I fall asleep. My husband will have to stay at home with our 2 year old abs we have no friends or family near us to help us watch him that night. Hello what can I do!!

[Alora VSG Begonia 53]

Would requesting a female sleep technician help your anxiety? Maybe your insurance would cover a sleep study at home. Some of the pulmonologist (sp?) have a machine that tests you at home. There are a lot of orthodox and Muslim women where I live so I know they make it possible for women to feel safe when alone. Hope you're able to figure out a way to make it work. That sounds like it's really stressful for you.

[sweetie716 270]

Will they let you do a home sleep study due to your circumstances?

[alittlejoy 26]

I asked my doc for Ambien to take the night of my first sleep study because I knew I'd have a really difficult time falling asleep. If you're mot comfortable with something that strong, a small dose of Xanax might help settle your nerves. I'd also ask if they can have a female sleep tech, as @ suggested.

One thing to note is they don't need a ton of active sleep time in order to make a diagnosis - they don't need a solid eight hours or anything. I know that isn't very calming but it's good to know from a practical standpoint.

[****505 girl 18]

I just called my center and they only have male technicians. I have only had Female doctors. Even the night I had my son 2 years ago the on call obgyn was male but I had a huge anxiety attack they called in a female ob to do my emergency c section.

[Cleo's Mom 257]

I just called my center and they only have male technicians. I have only had Female doctors. Even the night I had my son 2 years ago the on call obgyn was male but I had a huge anxiety attack they called in a female ob to do my emergency c section.

Who is requiring the sleep study - the insurance company or the surgeon? Find out. Because if it's just for a diagnosis of sleep apnea to qualify for the surgery perhaps you can do an at home sleep study. I did some research online and the one I saw showed a device that fits around the forehead like a band and it monitors sleep patterns and is programmed to start at your bedtime and stop in the morning and is worn for 3 nights and then sent to the doctor for analysis.

Do some research for sleep study doctors who will allow this - check with your surgeon and insurance company (who might allow it due to the substantial less cost).

Good luck.

[onmywaytobeingfound 163]

^^Because the at home study was brought up, here's a pic of me in my at home test. I did this for 2 nights, but I guess because of results I still had to do an in lab test. Which sucked! Best of luck to you!

Edited February 22, 2015 by onmywaytobeingfound

[alittlejoy 26]

@@nmsugirl06 this is one instance when I'd really encourage you to advocate for yourself until you can do this sleep study in a way you're ok with. Whether that means it's at home, at a different sleep center, or in the same sleep center but with a woman present so you feel safer. The study itself is really pretty boring but the anxiety it could cause you could throw off the results anyway. I'd see about the at home study first and then if not, see if you can go to another sleep center. Best of luck!

[****505 girl 18]

Thank you so much for your support. I think I'm going to really push for the at home study. My surgeon is requiring it. I don't think I actually need it for insurance since my bmi is at 44. I know I have sleep apnea as when I was in the hospital they had me sleep with oxygen because I would stop breathing

[alittlejoy 26]

@@nmsugirl06 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea five years ago. Getting onto CPAP changed my life, literally. Getting restful sleep is really important for people with issues like anxiety. I know it's a requirement from your surgeon but you might be really surprised how much better you feel if you get onto CPAP - it will certainly help with recovery after surgery. And then hopefully we won't need the CPAP after a while

[Wannabeskinnie 59]

If you have to do an in lab study, can you have someone go with you? They do allow this. My daughter had one and we stayed in the room with her on a cot, but they need to know this ahead of time to get a cot for a guest.

[Mel24 51]

I am finishing night 2 of my home sleep study. The sleep specialist that gave me the kit, told me they don't really need to do it in clinic unless you have nightmares, tremors, restless leg; where they need to watch you. If you are just being tested for sleep apnea, an at home should be OK. I am sorry you are having to go through this. I was NOT looking forward to the sleep test, but it's been ok.