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Preparing For A Sleep Apnea Test-Four Steps

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If you have difficulty sleeping, high blood pressure, and/or find you often wake up during the night gasping for air, chances are sleep apnea could be the culprit. However, the good news is that the disease is easy to treat without the use of medication or any invasive measures.

Many people who suffer from these issues and others may be asked to take part in a sleep study so doctors can get a better idea of whether this disease is the cause. If you have been asked to do this, here are four simple steps you can take to prepare.

1) Discuss sleep apnea test insurance coverage with your physician

First of all, you don’t want to add any stress to your plate to make it harder to get your 40 winks. One way to make sure you will feel as relaxed as possible is to ensure your HMO will cover the cost of this type of test.

Luckily, a lot of companies, plus Medicare, often cover at least part of the diagnostic process and treatment devices. You should call your provider and discuss this with your physician so he or she knows your concerns.

Your best bet is to bring your paperwork and/or insurance card to the physician’s office.

2) Prepare physically

Once you know you’re covered financially, it’s time to prep yourself so you can get the most accurate results possible.

You can do this by waking up early (if you go to bed after 10 or 11 p.m.), avoiding caffeine and alcohol the day of the study, taking off any nail polish, and arriving freshly showered, with dry hair.

If you have children or others for whom you care, arrange for them to be elsewhere for the night.

3) Pack necessities (for overnight stays)

Next, you should pack an overnight bag if you are having the study done in a lab. You may want to bring photo identification, your insurance forms, toiletries, clothing for the next day, your pillow (if desired), pajamas, and medications if you need them.

4) Relax and don’t worry

It may seem stressful to sleep in an unfamiliar place with sensors attached to you, but there’s no need to worry. The process is pain-free and is similar to sleeping in a hotel room.