A sleep study is a non-invasive clinical observation of a person’s sleep. A physician may use these studies to diagnose and eventually treat many common sleep disorders. Here are a few signs that you or a loved one could benefit from signing up for a sleep study. 

When Do You Need a Sleep Study?

1. Snoring

Snoring is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. The issue occurs when the throat tissue relaxes, leading to a partial airway blockage which creates the sound. Factors such as weight, alcohol use, and age may influence snoring, but it could also be indicative of an underlying sleep issue. In particular, snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which could lead to other health complications if left unaddressed. Through a sleep study, physicians can determine whether snoring is a result of OSA, and if so, which therapies should be used to treat it. Some patients may benefit from lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol or losing weight. For others, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system may help to improve sleep quality.

2. Fatigue

If you’re sticking to a regular sleep schedule but still find yourself feeling exhausted throughout the day, there could be a medical condition to blame. For instance, many people with OSA stop breathing dozens of times throughout the night, which leads to sleep disturbances. Many people with OSA also don’t know they have it. A physician-led sleep study can help to uncover issues that could be contributing to your fatigue. 

3. Insomnia

Insomnia occurs when you have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep, or both. There are many possible root causes of insomnia, including restless leg syndrome, medical conditions, certain medications, and environmental and lifestyle factors. Although the underlying issue may take some time to pinpoint, the first step to treating insomnia is having a physician rule out other medical issues through a sleep study. 

If you have sleep concerns, speak with a Sleep Medicine specialist from United Hospital District to discuss next steps. Our caring medical group has locations in Blue Earth, Fairmont, and Wells, MN, to make comprehensive, quality health care accessible and convenient for the local community. Find out more about our sleep studies online or schedule an appointment by calling (507) 526-7388.