If you struggle with sleep, have high blood pressure, or often wake up gasping for air in the middle of the night, you might be dealing with sleep apnea. The good news is that it’s a condition that can be easily treated without medications or invasive procedures.
To confirm if sleep apnea is the issue, your doctor may recommend a sleep study. If you’re set to have one, here are four simple steps to help you get ready:
1) **Check Your Insurance Coverage**
First, you don’t want to worry about costs adding to your stress. It’s essential to ensure your health insurance covers the sleep study. Fortunately, many insurance providers, including Medicare, cover part or all of the diagnostic and treatment expenses. Contact your insurance provider and discuss this with your doctor. To make things smoother, bring your insurance card and any related paperwork to your doctor’s visit.
2) **Get Physically Ready**
Once you’ve sorted out the financial part, it’s time to get your body ready for the most accurate results. Try waking up early if you’re used to staying up late. On the day of your study, avoid caffeine and alcohol, remove any nail polish, and arrive freshly showered with dry hair. If you care for children or others, make arrangements for someone else to look after them for the night.
3) **Pack Your Overnight Bag**
If your sleep study is at a lab, pack an overnight bag. Bring a photo ID, your insurance forms, toiletries, clothes for the next day, your favorite pillow if it helps, pajamas, and any medication you need.
4) **Stay Calm and Relax**
Sleeping in a new place with sensors attached might feel daunting, but there’s no need to worry. The process is completely pain-free and quite similar to spending a night in a hotel room.
By following these steps, you can ensure your sleep study is as stress-free and successful as possible.