Tips and recommendations 

Do sleep studies expire?

Leia Doyle

Do sleep studies expire?

Sleep studies do not expire, except……. For an initial study performed for the purposes of a diagnosis, it is preferred that the therapy be initiated within 3 months of the study, but in no case would longer than 12 months be considered!

When are sleep studies done?

Your doctor may recommend polysomnography if he or she suspects you have: Sleep apnea or another sleep-related breathing disorder. In this condition, your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

Can you fail a sleep study?

A home test only measures breathing, not actual sleep, so results can be inconclusive or falsely negative. Patients with OSA often breathe through their mouths, which may lead to inaccurate signals.

How long does a sleep study usually last?

How long does the test take? The hookup procedure starts shortly after the scheduled appointment time (between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.) and will take roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Your study is performed in a private room equipped with a television, DVD/VCR, and a private bathroom and shower.

Why do I need a second sleep study?

The most common indication for a second sleep study is to initiate and optimize positive airway pressure treatment to remedy sleep apnea. It sometimes proves impossible to find the most effective pressure settings either as part of an initial study or with a trial of therapy at home.

What if you didn’t sleep well during sleep study?

If you absolutely can’t sleep during your study, you may be able to take a sleeping pill. This is one of the questions to ask ahead of time. Unless you take a prescription sleep aid regularly, you’ll be able to use a light over the counter medication like melatonin or Benadryl.

Can a sleep study detect heart problems?

There are many good reasons to undergo a sleep study, but let’s start with the most concerning. Left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, depression, hypertension and diabetes. In many cases, a sleep study is the only way to properly diagnose certain disorders.

What are the causes and warning signs of sleep apnea?

Symptoms

  • Loud snoring.
  • Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep — which would be reported by another person.
  • Gasping for air during sleep.
  • Awakening with a dry mouth.
  • Morning headache.
  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
  • Difficulty paying attention while awake.

Who is most at risk for sleep apnea?

Men are two to three times more likely to have sleep apnea than are women. However, women increase their risk if they’re overweight, and their risk also appears to rise after menopause. Being older. Sleep apnea occurs significantly more often in older adults.

What happens if you have undiagnosed sleep apnea?

If left untreated, the effects of sleep apnea can get worse. Sleep is an important part of the body’s recovery process; frequent interrupted sleep can raise stress levels, resulting in high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. Sleep apnea has also been linked to stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

Can you be thin and still have sleep apnea?

Most but not all people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing. Medical conditions that are associated with obesity, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, also can cause obstructive sleep apnea.

Can sleep apnea go away if I lose weight?

If overweight and obese people lose weight, it would make both sleep apnea and other health problems [such as heart disease] go away. Losing just 10% of body weight can have a big effect on sleep apnea symptoms. In some cases, losing a significant amount of weight can even cure the condition.

Does sleep apnea take years off your life?

If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can shorten your life from anywhere between 12-15 years. While there is no permanent cure for obstructive sleep apnea, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to alleviate its effects and to ensure that your OSA won’t shorten your life.

How many years can you live with sleep apnea?

Those who have suffered from sleep apnea for up to 5 years have a 30% jump in their risk of suffering a heart attack or dying, according to a Yale University study. The level of severity of your sleep apnea increases your risk for either a heart attack or death.

Can you be skinny and have sleep apnea?

Excess weight. Most but not all people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing. Medical conditions that are associated with obesity, such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, also can cause obstructive sleep apnea.