Sleep Apnea Pathfinders

Sleep Studies: Part B-The really juicy stuff!

Juanita Crawford, RPSGT, CHC & David Bishop, LCSW, CHC Season 1 Episode 8

This is part B of our Episode 8 on Sleep Studies.  If you haven't listen to Part A please go back and listen for some really great gems on sleep studies.  

Part B has juicy stuff too such as:

  • What the heck are all those wires attached to us during an in lab sleep study
    • Brainwaves which help determine stages of sleep
    • Attachment by the eyes to determine onset of Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
    • Another attachment on the jaw to detect jaw movement and  or bruxism (grinding of the jaw)
    • Legs-to determine periodic leg movements
    • Monitor breathing with a thermal airflow sensor in the nose
    • EKG patches to monitor heart rate and rhythm
    • Pulse oximeter to determine level of oxygen in the blood system
  • How a patient can get assistance to relax during an in lab sleep study
  • Why is the sleep technician watching and listening to patients during an in lab sleep study?
  • What are some tips to make a home sleep study effective?
  • What is the optimal number of hours necessary for an in lab study
  • In lab sleep studies can sometimes look like a hotel room
  • The GOOP in our hair is yuck! Why is it necessary and best way to get it out.
  • What's with a home sleep study and then the need to get an in lab sleep study
  • CPAP, BiPAP, Auto PAP, ASV explained- The various types of machines explained
  • Patient tip on getting your CPAP machine quicker from Durable Medical Equipment companies (Is it insurance that is holding things up or a slow DME company)
  • Having problems paying for your CPAP or sleep study-Investigate this early using this tip we discuss
  • Why getting your sleep study report is crucial (Even if you are told you don't have sleep apnea) to following up with key questions for your doctor
  • What are the circumstances when I would get another sleep study the following year


This episode has tons of great information for those wondering about sleep studies!

In our next episode (Episode 9) we are moving back around to discuss sleep apnea from a social perspective and we are going to explore:

Why are we afraid to be diagnosed with sleep apnea?  Is the solution worse than not knowing?