Acting out your dreams by kicking, screaming, or even jumping out of bed. This is a rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder.
What will the results be?
The test results help your doctor decide if you need more care. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Do not take any drugs that will make you sleep.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Do not drink anything that has caffeine.
- You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for some time before your test.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will come to the sleep center about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
- The staff will put small electrodes on your chest, scalp, arms, legs, and face. You may have elastic bands around your chest and belly to check your breathing. All the wires are bundled together so they are not in your way while you are sleeping.
- These will help your doctor watch your brain waves and eye movements during your sleep. Your heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels will be recorded. The staff will watch your body position and your arm and leg movements. They will pay special attention to any snoring or other noises you make while sleeping.
- The time it takes you to fall asleep and how long you spend in deep sleep when you are dreaming is recorded.
- If you are having pauses in your breathing during sleep, the staff may give you a treatment to try during the study.
Most often, sleep studies are done at a sleep center. Sometimes, they are done in your home and a trained technician will set it up and teach you how to use it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- All of the electrodes will be taken off and you will be able to shower.
- The test results will be reviewed by a sleep specialist.
- You can go home right after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Follow all of the doctors orders.
- Return to your normal activities after the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor will tell you the results of your test and talk with you about treatment options if needed. ‚
What problems could happen?
This test does not cause any problems. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/slpst/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚