IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP STUDIES
 

Sleep studies measure the body’s ability to sleep while also detecting ways the body responds to certain sleep problems such as abnormal breathing. Sleep studies are extremely important to you and your health as they can help diagnose sleep disorders. When left untreated, sleep disorders can pose serious health risks including:
 

• high blood pressure

• stroke

• heart disease

• diabetes

• depression

• other medical conditions
   

  Some people who have certain sleep disorders fall asleep at inopportune times. This can not only be embarrassing but it can also be dangerous. Having a sleep disorder can cause those who have one to actually fall asleep while driving. This not only poses a danger for themselves but for others on the road. For those who are elderly and have a sleep disorder, they can be more prone to falling which increases their risk of serious injury.
   

  Sleep Disorder Symptoms
   

  When you are sleeping, it is nearly impossible to record your own sleeping habits. People generally aren't aware of how they breathe while they are sleeping or the movements they make which it makes it hard for them to realize they might have a sleep disorder. Your doctor may not be able to determine if you have a sleep disorder either especially when symptoms do not present themselves while you’re awake.
   

  If your own snoring wakes you up or someone tells you that you snore on a regular basis, you should check with your doctor about participating in a sleep study. Other indications for the possibility of needing a sleep study include feeling tired even after getting an adequate amount of sleep, having problems falling asleep or staying asleep, and waking up too early without being able to go back to sleep

  Other possible symptoms of different types of sleep disorders include:
   

• Waking up with a sore or dry throat

• Morning headaches

• Forgetfulness during the day

• Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation

• Recurrent awakenings while sleeping
   

  All of these are common symptoms of sleep disorders. Simply telling your doctor about your sleep schedule and habits, might help them diagnose a sleep disorder. However, the results from a sleep study will further enable your doctor to determine a proper diagnosis and will also provide you with treatment options.