From the article: Sleep Study for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Better sleep is a huge challenge when you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and sometimes better sleep can start with a sleep study to diagnose any sleep disorders you may have. If you've had a sleep study, share what it was like, what you learned from it, and how it has (or hasn't) helped you. If you haven't had one, learn from those who have. Share Your Story
Failed my Sleep Study Test
- I underwent a sleep study this week and did not sleep a minute from 10pm to 6am. I'm a light sleeper to begin with and sleeping in a clinical setting didn't make things easy to begin with. I had no idea how much 'wiring hook-up' was required to get someone prepared for the test. It wasn't very comfortable for me. One of wires was clamped on the end of my finger, and it was bothering me enough to keep me from sleeping the entire night. My request to have it adjusted resulted in it being moved to a different finger, which eventually bothered me as much as the original set-up. My result was 'inconclusive due to lack of data'. The technician suggested I try again but take a sleeping pill to knock me out during the testing. The experience was frustrating and tiring for me, not to mention a waste of my insurance deductible.
- —Guest Barry
my 4 sleep tests
- First test was for sleep apnea. Because of tiredness and migraines. Came up with nothing. My age was 34 at the time 5'9" and 140 lbs. Not a common canidate for fibro or cfs. So I don't blame the specialists or doctors. My next test showed some mild apnea. So the 3rd test scheduled to test the cpap settings. The first 2 test did show low oxygen but not dangerously low. The cpap made things worse, then they tried a smart one, that suppose to sense when to turn on and monitored and save the info on a memory card for the 4th test. That was when I was told my second test showed in an 6hrs of sleep I had 3 episodes of apnea or restricted breathing and like 31 episodes of interrupted sleep cycles. Never hitting REM sleep. A skinny boy like me didn't need to be told to lose weight just out of the USMC by a few years. They didn't need to tell me how to exercise either but the mentioned them both. They were so focused on sleep apnea they ignored they lack of REM as a cause!
- —Guest Feuresprit
Be carefull you go to a reputable lab
- My sleep study was not all that valuable. The bed rose at 4am. I thought the technican did it as part of the test. I latter found out that she did not and did not know why the bed rose. I don't noprmally sleep at a 45 degree angle so I was uncomfortable and could not sleep. I felt it was an invalid test. The Doctor tried to explain it off. It was not about trying to help me it was about trying to sell expensive stuff. Moral of the story don't go to a for profit lab. Do it at a hospital that has some scuples.
- —Guest guest
Obstructive sleep apnea & central apnea
- I was never given the REAL results of my first sleep test. Finally, another doctor told me it took me over an hour to fall asleep on ALL my meds and took 5 hours to get into REM. I've been researching (having another sleep study), and lots of people with our symptoms have been helped overseas (Europe and Canada) with a new sleep machine called AVS. It makes CPAP AND BIPAP appear from the dark ages. It's the intelligent CPAP ... it only helps when you need it ... and it checks your levels and tries to keep them equal and on the right track ... it doesn't jump in and control your body ... it helps your body ... I hope my test includes the AVS ... many in Europe have not been helped at all by CPAP and BIPAP ... but changed quality of life with AVS! I'm going to find a doctor who will let me try it, if it kills me! The few times I sleep, my pain level is less ... it's worth it ... prayers for everybody :-)
- —Guest Tervlover
anjel77
- I had a sleep study about 5 yrs ago. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia & hypothyroidism at that time. They told me to take my night time meds, like 4 different potent meds. One a benzodiazapine., I did. Doctor stated, "Sleep study was fine". A BIG WASTE of TIME & MONEY! For me. I should have slept without the meds , DUH! I think I may have narcolepsy too. But I would never do it again. Woke me up at 6:00 am to drive home by 6:30 or 7am. I was still drugged VERY DANGEROUS DRIVE!
- —Guest anjel77
Non sleepers be persistant
- I was already taking medication for sleep which helped with sleep but did not relieve restless legs. I began getting migraine in the night and early AM. Dr. suggested sleep study. The setting was pleasant as was the tech. I am claustrophobic and felt tense with the mask. Nasal pillow slipped around. I finally decided I was going to learn to like the mask. It took about 2 months but now I would not be without it even for naps. No more headaches or waking myself by snoring.
- —marilynbloom
Sleep Studies
- Having had 5/6 sleep studies that all were a pleasant experience with outcomes of severe sleep apnea I struggled with a C-PAP yanking it off in the middle of the night, feeling like I was suffocating, etc., etc.. I finally went to the Sleep Studies Department of Emory University where after reviewing my sleep studies, talking with me, suggested that I see a dentist who is a sleep apnea specialist, a diplomat in the American Dental Sleep Apnea something, something ! I was fitted for a special kind of appliance (quite expensive, no insurance) which is the best money I have spent in years ! I had a sleep study done with the appliance which changed all the numbers, including low oxygen levels. It travels like a retainer, uses Polident to clean and so unlike, so not confining that I wish everone with sleep apnea could have one ! The FIBRO is alive and well, but I'm counting on something new for me being a relief. The SA was threatening pulmonary hypertension. I had to do something !
- —carolinerish
Sleep Study
- Wow, my study was way different. I had the bedroom setting, sheets were fine. I sleep through the night with no problems. It was true for the study as well. I finely got to see the doctor to go over the report. Was I surprised. Low oxygen levels, 74, I got into deep level once. I snore on my back. The normal. adnormal stuff. What surprised me the most was the doctor I spoke with explained things to me. OK, I forgot them. If you don't sleep, it throws of you hormonal system. I've gained a ton of weight and She was the first doctor to tell me ,"it wasn't my fault". My other doctors wanted me to do lap band. I watch what I eat, I do a water exercise class 5 days a week. I went for the second study a couple of nights ago. It was sooo different. I was so tired I couldn't wait to get into bed. They put a full mask on, I was fine , ready to sleep. NOT!. My brain would not turn off. By morning, I was still so tired. I was told I slept, really? I go in next week for the results.
- —ShirleyP1
a strange event
- Although it was supposed to look like a bedroom, the million wires attached to my body didn't make me fell like I was in any great hotel. The room was stuffy hot. The male attendant was so creey I knew I would never summon him no matter what kind of emergency should arise. Never would I let this guy in my room in the night! I kept hearing doors bang. The results showed I had moderate sleep apnea, but it showed I slept soundly. Why then did I keep hearing those doors? Why did I keep getting all those drinks of water by my bedside? In the write up it suggested I lose weight--I wear a size 6 or 8. Hum...it must be required to wear a size 4. It suggested I get dental guards which I did. I'm not always sarcastic--I promise! I do think they help, but they also kind of hurt my mouth. I still have fibro and still take meds for the restless leg and sleep meds. And I hope always to see the funny side of life!
- —Guest Donna
Sleep apnea
- I had a sleep study done two years after CFS diagnosis. Diagnosed with severe apnea. 75% oxygen saturation etc. I wear my CPAP machine every night. The only change in symptoms is I don't wake up with the sore rib from my wife elbowing me all night. But seriously, no change in CFS symptoms whatsoever. The neuro that did the test was the most arrogant man I ever met in my life. " You don't have CFS, that's junk science" He prescribed topomax, which only made me more fatigued, made a few insults about my being overweight. Told me it was all in my head, billed my insurance company 7 grand or so and sent me on my way!
- —Guest dave
Sleep study implies I slept
- I am not suprised to hear that most people didn't have a positive outcome with their sleep studies, I know I sure didn't! And I suppose I had it better than others. Mine was done in a bedroom setting with a nice bed, lots of fluffy pillows and an overall pleasant atmosphere. The tester was jovial, and made me feel comfortable as she could while covering my head with wires. But I don't sleep well in strange beds ever, and felt like I didn't get any rest at all. Considering I wokwe up 69 times that night, I really didn't get any rest! I had to do a second study with a mask on my face, and despite the fact that I didn't wake up as often, the thought of being hooked up to that monster for the rest of my life made that idea impossible. So I guess I deal with my migraines and fibro unassisted until they come up with some test or another that actually DOES something to treat my conditions...
- —coastalcutie2000
my study experience
- I have had two studies, three yrs apart. I do not have apnea, but I do have low oxygen when I sleep. Therefore, I use a small amt of oxygen at night. The MD is concerned about the amount of Stage II sleep instead of REM sleep I was getting. However, no recommendations were made on how to change that!
- —abqmurphy
Sleep Study x 3
- I had been diagnosed with FMS and suddenly began having episodes of numbing fatigue. After an event while driving, I submitted to a sleep study. Not the most comfortable environment, sheets scratchy, etc. I was told they would wake me if I exhibited a certain level of sleep apnea and set me up with a C-Pap machine. This regulates snoring and breathing. I thought I was home free when morning came and I was only hooked up to the other 20 cables. The study did show that my concentrated oxygen level went below 75% and I needed a second sleep study hooked up to the C-Pap machine to see if that changed anything. No. I was set up with an oxygen concentrator and have used it while sleeping every night for the past 8 years. I have since had another sleep study with the same result. I can tell if I am away for several days and do not have the concentrator. I am more rested in the am and rarely wake in the night with blinding migraines. I'm glad I went through with these studies.
- —Guest Mary
PC_Bob
- I had a sleep test a couple of years ago. My wife suggested it, since she says I stop breathing at night and then wake up gasping for air. The test was in a cold examination room, with several lights on. I can only sleep in a fully darkened room, so that along with all the beeping machines ensured that I never went to sleep. The test wass upposed to run all night, but around 2 AM the tester told me I could get dressed and go home. The test was over. My doctor told me a few days later that they said I did not have sleep apnea. I said the test was a joke, since I never fell asleep. Waste of time AND money, I say. I still wake up in the middle of the night, wondering why.
- —PC_Bob
sleep study
- I had a sleep study done about 5 or 6 years after I was diagnosed with FMS. (It took over two years to get the diagnosis after an endless series of tests, dr. visits, etc). Anyway I slept for 244 minutes after taking 100 mg. of Trazodone and 5 mg. of Xanex. I never got back to sleep after I awakened to use the bathroom. The next day I was supposed to take all these naps, but I didn't sleep so they let me go home. More dr. visits ensued and I was told that I didn't have FMS...What a joke!!! I think the entire fiasco was a waste of time and $. And yes, I still do have FMS.
- —Guest Pilar
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