Hi George,
I have only had one study done and that was a few nights ago. I arrived there at 9:45 pm into a nice hotel type room at the sleep center. They hooked wires to my cheeks, the top of my head, behind my ears one to my chest and two to my lower legs. There were two bands that were placed one on my chest and the other my abdomen. A nasal canula was then attached which was used to record air volume during my breathing. There was no oxygen or room air coming from this. The last item was an O2 pulse ox finger clip which was taped onto my finger.
I went to sleep at about 10:00 tossing a bit getting used to all the wires. I woke up at 11:45 having to use the restroom in which they disconnected one plug and everythign stayed attached to my body. I felt as if I had gotten no sleep whatso ever for that hour and a half, but did get to sleep, but I did not reach REM (rapid eye movement) sleep which from what I understand is the deep quality sleep where you dream.
I awoke again at 1:00am requesting to sleep the rest of the night in a recliner as this is what is most comfortable to me. The tech told me that my oxygen levels were low and they were going to try the CPAP machine to see if that helped. This machine uses positive air pressure keeping your airway open during sleep. It took me just a few minutes to get used this strapped to my head covering my nose. The next thing I knew they were waking me up at 5:00am saying the test was complete. That 4 hours sleep after having the CPAP placed was THE BEST sleep I have had in years. For the first time in I dont know how long, I woke up without a groggy, hangover, fuzzy headed feeling and it FELT GREAT!!!!! I cant wait to get my machine here at home. What a difference it made!!!!!
The whole experience was fine. Not too uncomfortable for me. They expect you not to sleep as you do at home and I believe the testing accomodates for this. It truly is amazing.
The technician who monitors you through the night is in another area of the building watching the monitors keeping track of 02 levels, heart rythyms, eye movement during sleep and whatever else they monitor. There is a camera and infra-red light which you do not see in the room which lets them see you in the dark. There is a voice box on the wall where if you need anything you just talk normal and they can hear you.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Bob
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