What is a Sleep Study?
A sleep study is a test performed and monitored by specially trained staff that includes measurements used to identify the different sleep stages and to categorize sleep problems. This is done by monitoring your brain waves, muscle tone and oxygen levels while you sleep, as well as heart rate and breathing parameters.
The study is performed while the patient sleeps in a private room. It is usually done at night. Home Sleep Testing (HST) is available.
A sleep study:
- Lasts about nine hours
- Must be ordered by a physician
- Records valuable data needed to diagnose sleep disorders
How much sleep do I need?
The amount of sleep a person needs depends on many factors, including age. For example,
in general:
- Infants require about 16 hours per day.
- Teenagers need about 9 hours on average.
- Most adults need 7 to 8 hours per night for the best amount of sleep, although some people may need as few as 5 hours or as many as 10 hours.
- Women in the first three months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual.
However, experts say that if you feel drowsy during the day, even during boring activities, you haven’t had enough sleep, which could be a sign of a sleep disorder.
To schedule a sleep study, please contact HCMC Central Registration at 731-644-8486. If you or someone you love is experiencing a sleep problem, we invite your to contact our center for an initial consultation. You may call 731-644-8414 for more information on the Sleep Disorders Center.