What Happens At A Sleep Clinic?

Sleep is vital for good health. All humans need at least eight hours of sleep each night, and some people need even more. Unfortunately, some people have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. If you have trouble falling asleep on a regular basis or find yourself waking in the middle of the night, you may have a sleep disorder. Luckily, a sleep clinic can help. Here are four things a sleep clinic can do for people with suspected sleep disorder:

1. Conduct a sleep study.

When people complain about sleep issues to their doctor, they are frequently asked to participate in a sleep study. Sleep studies are carried out at sleep clinics. During a sleep study, you will stay overnight at the sleep center. You will be monitored overnight using a variety of equipment designed to measure your eye movement, heart rate, and brain waves. Sleep clinics feature beds and privacy, which can help you feel comfortable falling asleep.

2. Interpret the results of the study.

After your sleep study concludes, a specialist will interpret the results. Based on your eye movement during sleep, duration of slumber, and other factors, a specialist will make a diagnosis. Sleep apnea is a common problem that affects many people, particularly those who are older. Insomnia is another sleep disorder that can keep people from falling asleep easily. A sleep specialist will discuss your results with you.

3. Prescribe sleep medication.

Insomnia can be a serious problem if it's left untreated. People who don't get adequate rest are more likely to become ill. Insomnia may also prevent you from having a full, normal life. Some people find it hard to wake up in the morning after a night of poor sleep, which can impact their performance and attendance at work. Sleep doctors can prescribe medication to help you sleep. Sleep aids will allow your body to rest, even if you struggle with severe insomnia. Some of these medications have side effects, such as daytime drowsiness, but your doctor will discuss the pros and cons with you.

4. Treat additional problems, such as sleep apnea.

Some sleep problems are physical rather than psychological in nature. Sleep apnea occurs when a person cannot breathe while sleeping. This can be caused by a physical obstruction of the airways. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a CPAP machine, which should be worn overnight. CPAP machines blow air into your nostrils to provide the pressure required to keep your airways from collapsing. 

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