sleep test

My doctor sent in my referral today, I am wondering what to expect and can we take anything to help us fall asleep? And does anyone know where in Durham I would go? 

Thanks 

Hi nstewart

I am in Toronto so I am not sure what clinic you would go to

The sleep clinic I went to said no caffeine on the day of your test and to bring/take your regularly prescribed medications that day.  They did not allow any over the counter or non-prescribed sleep medications.

They will hook you up with tons of electrodes using putty in your hair and to your skin.  They weigh you, measure you and your finger is attached to an oxygen meter while you sleep.  It really is unpleasant at first but you do get used to it and you should be able to eventually fall asleep.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes!

I will, thanks.

I made a point is staying up late the night before and getting up early. I went out of my way to be as tired as possible. Also take something to entertain yourself as you tend to get there early and have a long time to wait.

It probably depends what centre you're going through.   I'm almost in grey county.  Was sent to Humber and had to go to Markham for mine.  Lots of driving regardless lol

I took Nyquil when I did my sleep test. After 3 hrs, I woke up and they let me go......look up sleep  clinics in Durham b/c if you go to a hospital it may take quite a bit longer. I went to a clinic and got in right away. It's also covered by OHIP, the sleep clinic that is.

Can't help you with where you go, but don't take any medication that you don't normally take on a daily basis.  It will give a false result (good or bad).  I wanted to do something to help calm my son down for a sleep test (I didn't need anything for mine) as he has anxiety, and they wouldn't let me give him anything.  Not sleeping much the night before can backfire if you are not careful.  If you become overtired it will make going to sleep harder too.

Some things you can do, is take your own pillow(s) and blanket(s).  Might be more "homey" than the hospital stuff.

Oh, when you get your appointment, call and see if you can get on a cancellation list, it will go quicker.

Cathy