Has anybody had a Sleep Apnea test??

Hi: I have already had my 1st consultation, but I have to have an EKG and Sleep Apnea Test. I know that after I jump over these hurdles, I'll have my Lap Band Surgery. My question is, what do they actually have to do to you? Do they give you a sleeping pill to make you go to sleep , so that they can test you, or are you just on your own? I'm not sure I can fall asleep with people peering at me through some window. I have enough trouble falling asleep as it is, after being hit by a drunk driver on the express-way. And now this test tube crap!!! I feel like a science experiment .

No, you have to go to sleep on your own. It's not bad, the room is closed and they watch you through cameras. And of course, the EKG is no big deal, takes about 2 minutes, both are absolutely painless. Just look at it as part of the process, because you can't go forward without them. You'll do fine. Praying for you and a surgery date! Connie R. 316/298.6/150 (banded 10/5/05) Never put a period where God puts a comma.

Thank you for the info. I was just told what I needed, but I didn't know what the sleep apnea test involved. I asked my primary doctor, but he just said it'll be ok, (as he called the next patient). He is a nice doctor...I guess he was just busy that day. Thank you again. Jacquie W.

Hey Jacqueline, When I had mine it wasn't that bad. They hook you up with a lot of thin wires to the equipment that monitors you so that makes it a little uncomfortable to and they required me not to have any caffeine after noon the day of test, no makeup, and wear some type of pajamas that are loose preferably pajama pants because the 2nd one that I had it was a really cute young guy that was the respiratory therapist and I would have died if all I had with me was a night shirt , but they have to be able to put some of the wires on your legs. I had to be there at 7:00 PM because it takes awhile to hook everything up. They glued and taped the wires to me and they will also have them in your hair and a piece they put under your nose to monitor your breathing/snoring . I think they attach wires to scalp, face, chest and legs from what I remember...hope this helps you, but don't sweat it...it will be over before you know it!! Blessings, Jen in TN

Haleysmom pretty much hit it on the head with her descript on the sleep apnea test. I had mine done in my sisters house. I have a dog and cat and didn't want them interferring with it. They are bed buddies besides the hubby. I had the second part done, too at "home." The funny part during the second one is where the tech stayed all night with his laptop wired up to me. He ran those wires all the way down the stairs and camped out in the livingroom. The next morning he told that I was dreaming. He asked if I remembered what I was dreaming about. I didn't. And I wondered about it for a long time, if it was something to be embarrassed about. Halina

I agree with the other posts. The EKG is no big deal. It take longer to get you hooked up than it does to run the test. No pain, no needles. Sleep test - I was apprehensive but I LOVED it. When the tech came in to the room, I asked her if she'd mind putting the TV on a particular channel since I had no clue how to use a remote. I'd never touched one at home!!! (yes, she laughed as I happily clicked to my heart's desire). I didn't think I'd sleep either but I did....like a baby. And they did offer me Ambien but I turned it down. I have a OTC med I take for leg cramps and I'd already taken it so I didn't want to mix the two. They do watch you thru a camera and there's an intercom (or was in my room) so you could call out if you needed them. If they wanted to talk to you, they had to push a button. That means they hear ALL the sounds coming from your room but you can't hear them. I didn't even ask what they heard cause I didn't wanna know. The second night was the same except you wear a "mask" and are hooked up to the "air" machine. That's IF you need the second night. I didn't think I'd sleep with that mask on either but I did. I think you'll be amazed. And I sleep MUCH better now that I have my CPAP machine at home....and so does my husband. No more snoring....at least on my part. Now, if I could just get HIM to go for the sleep apnea test and get HIM a machine. Blessings, La Wanda

I spent one night in a wonderful quiet room - just like a hotel room...they applied all the wires to head, chest and legs I read a book ....eventually I fell asleep and woke everytime I turned because I was afraid that I would pull off one of the wires...the technicians were in another room and they could see me and hear me but I could not see them...sometime during the night a tech came in and had me put on a mask that we had fitted before I went to sleep...then they monitored my sleep with the mask...I received my C-PAP by the end of that week. I have had this done 2 times (both prior to my decision to have Lap Band) and each time was the same. Tips: wear a big shirt and boxer shorts! that way you are comfortable and they techs can apply the wires to your legs the glue they use to attach the wires is easy to get off BUT you will need to wash your hair after you get home (I thought I could shower and go straight to work from the test site but hair was too yucky)

I am so grateful for this site, and for all of the awesome people who just make this whole process so much easier. I really needed an answer about the Sleep Apnea test...in fact the whole process of extra things that I was required to do became a little overwhelming; but I don't feel that way now. I do thank God for everyone who helped me, by arming me with information that I previously didn't have. You didn't just start helping people. Everyone of you have been helping people basically all of your lives! I know that many didn't seem to appreciate your heart and your help...sometimes people who are selfish are angry with you because God has put you in the position to help and to give. Most people are not in that position...only a chosen few. I am so greatful that I have met you awesome, wonderful people. You might think, she's saying all of that because we gave her an answer? The answer to that is no. It's not just the responses, but the fact that you wanted to help me, just like you have helped countless others...and not just on this forum. There are many things that I don't know, but this one thing, I do know...I know people. People hardly ever, mostly never fool me. I especially know givers, because I'm one too, so I recognize givers. I'm no fool. I know exactly what I'm looking at. I looking at some great people, who look out for their fellow man/woman. That's why you're here. Not just to get help, but to more importantly give help. See, I told you that you're givers. Ok, I've gone too deep, so I'll go now, but I meant every word I said, and every breath in between. Thank you once again. God bless. Jacquie W.

Jacqueline I really enjoyed my sleep study They do wire you up but they make you feel comfortable while they do it because it takes a while. I sleep with a C-pap but I really like it. I don't think I could sleep without it now. It's really no big deal. Tj

Hi TJ: How long does it take for them to wire a person up ? Also, What is a C-pap? And is it something that they give everybody who has a sleep apnea test? Is it something that they have to monitor on a continuous basis? Jacquie W.