Doctors Answers (3)
Getting a sleep study requires a physician order. This order will include the reason why a sleep study is being ordered. Often, a sleep study is not indicated initially when evaluating a patient for insomnia. As they say "it is not much fun watching someone not sleep all night". If, however, you fall asleep and awaken often and are sleepy in the daytime, a sleep study may be indicated.
You get a sleep study by seeing your primary care physician or a sleep specialist to identify your potential sleep disorder and then getting a diagnostic study to confirm this diagnosis. You can then get a CPAP titration if you have sleep apnea or treatment with medicine if you also have another sleep disorder related to fatigue or insomnia.
You would make an appointment to see the doctor, and the doctor will be able to see if you need any medications to help you to sleep. Also, the doctor will order the sleep study. Do not worry about sleeping only two hours....we will be able to glean enough data...
