[COPD2]

I'm new to A Fib and cardiac arrhythmias but NOT to in-lab sleep studies. Since I encountered sleep disordered breathing before cardiac arrhythmias and noticed some old threads about sleep studies and so many here anxious about having one or convinced they could "never" sleep w/a CPAP and mask or even sleep in a lab I thought that I could share my experience w/sleep testing and CPAPs and masks w/members as a way of "repaying" them for their support and suggestions, etc. as I learn about A Fib and all that entails.

First off, for those of you really anxious about doing a sleep test I noticed many said they would be too anxious to fall asleep due to their heart and what might happen. For those of you who would experience such anxiety I would suggest that you insist on your sleep study being done at a hospital sleep center. You would be much safer than sleeping at home! That way IF you did indeed run into a serious arrhythmia all the medical help and assistance needed would be right there and available. Much closer and available than if you encounter a problem at home.

Yes, a lot of leads and wires will be attached to you - including EKG wires monitoring your heart all night long. There are wires to monitor brain waves (EEG), to monitor leg movements, eye movements, chin movements, etc. Bands to monitor your respiratory muscle movements (chest and abdomen). Sleep apnea is only one of some 80 sleep disorders so you could have a sleep disorder that does NOT require using a CPAP and mask.

All the leads and wires run to a small box about the size of a paperback book. This "box" can be unplugged from the cable(s) to the control room so if a trip to the bathroom is needed it is a simple matter for the tech to unplug the box from the cable and off you and the box go to the restroom w/o the need for any assistance whatsoever.

You are encouraged to bring anything from home that will help w/your comfort such as your own pillow, etc. I suggest button-front, long leg PJs as they help to keep the wires from being disturbed as you change positions during sleep. For instance the leg wires run up the leg of your PJs to somewhere around the middle button on your PJ top joining the other wires from the EKG, etc. and all come out between two buttons to run to the "box".

Usually the room is attractive, the bed comfortable (at least a double, very often a Queen size), some even have the sleep number or Tempurpedic beds; TV, remote, private bath, etc. etc. The techs usually appreciate your asking questions, even questions about their experience in sleep and their accredidation as well as what the wires tell them and how the test is viewed in the control room, etc.

I will be more than happy to discuss any questions you have about a sleep study, just as so many of you have been so helpful to me w/my questions about A Fib and cardiac arrythmias, etc.

[COPD2]

Oh yeah, I have all my results, both the doctor's dictated results and the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs as well as the entire PSG on CD from two titration studies.

Ah yes, Dr Steven Y Park??? That man is REALLY a tremendous sleep doctor. If only more were like him. He is "into" ALL aspects of sleep and sleep disorders.

How are you doing w/your OSA?