Good sleep is an integral part of good health, and yet many of us just aren’t getting the quantity and quality we need. That can have a huge impact on mood, overall functioning and even risk of developing health problems down the road. If you have been struggling with sleep, or have a partner who has noticed unhealthy behaviours during the night, that might warrant a proper sleep assessment in a sleep lab, discussed experts at the latest Sunnybrook Speaker Series, Sleep Well For Health.
Sunnybrook Neurologist Dr. Marc Narayansingh says there are many possible symptoms that warrant a visit to a sleep lab. Some of those issues happen before sleep, like having difficulty falling asleep, restless legs and working shifts that interfere with good sleep habits. Some issues arise during sleep, and include snoring, violent movements, waking up and interrupted breathing (sleep apnea). Symptoms of poor or interrupted sleep include morning headaches, generalized fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Dr. Narayansingh says referrals for a sleep assessment can be obtained from your family doctor, specialist or dentist, the latter who may notice symptoms like teeth grinding as a sign of sleep apnea. At the initial assessment, experts will take a detailed sleep and medical history. It’s a good idea to bring your bed partner along, and they may notice behaviours that you don’t. Additional tests may be ordered to check the functioning of your brain, lungs and heart. And at the end of the assessment, a sleep study is ordered.
On the day of your sleep study, you’ll be asked to arrive in the early evening and will be on site until about 7am the following day. It’s important that you follow your normal daily routine, so that any effects from that on your sleep (i.e. diet, exercise) can be properly observed. Electrodes will be attached to your scalp, so wash you hair prior to coming in. They will also be attached to your face, legs and arms to track your movements during sleep. Your breathing and brain waves will be followed throughout the night, and there will be a camera in your room. Each room has a voice-activated intercom and a sleep technologist is there all night to assist you if needed.
The results of your sleep study may take a few weeks to process, but will give you a good overview of your sleep patterns and behaviours when they are reviewed in a follow up appointment. There may be a need for additional tests, depending on the initial observations. A treatment plan can then be discussed that suits your individual needs.
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Do you need a sleep assessment?
People who need to visit a Sleep Lab deal with many possible ongoing issues.
Issues before sleep:
- difficulty falling asleep
- restless legs
- irregular sleep patterns
- shift-related issues at work
Issues during sleep:
- waking up
- loud snoring
- stopping breathing
- restlessness
- sleep walking
- vivid dreams
- hallucinations
- talking/screaming
- violent movements
Issues after sleep:
- morning headaches
- generalized fatigue
- excessive daytime sleepiness
Get a referral to a Sleep Lab from your family doctor, specialist or dentist
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