[Rose76]

I've been referred by my doctor to a sleep disorder clinic. Can anyone tell me what goes on at a clinic like that? I'm wondering what kind of testing they do and what kind of help they offer.

I've had an irregular sleep pattern since childhood. It got way worse over the past year, but blood tests showed that worsening was connected to severe anemia related to a bleeding ulcer that I had no idea I had. The ulcer and the anemia are being treated and my sleeping pattern is less chaotic. But that still leaves me with the underlying sleep problem that I've always had. My main problem is that I have a hard time falling asleep. In recent years, I've also had trouble staying asleep.

I don't feel very hopeful that I'll ever sleep like a normal person.

Is there anyone out there who's gotten any real help from a clinic like this? Back some years ago, a pdoc put me on Restoril 60 mg every night. Even that didn't work all that well and I got off it.

I wake up feeling lousy every morning.

[KarenSue]

I have been to a sleep clinic about 3 years ago for testing. The accommodations are like a 5 star hotel room. Cable TV, etc. I had electrodes connected to my scalp and my legs (with gooey stuff, doesn't hurt at all). I was observed overnight. I was diagnosed w/sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. My sleep disorders occurred at the rate of 101 per hour! Since I did not sleep enough hours on the first night, I had to return for them to set my cpap machine. Your room is very private, and they have a great private shower there for you to clean up before you leave.

My advice: Bring shampoo and put it straight onto the gooey stuff while hair is dry, it will wash off easier that way. Try to wear yourself out the day of, so you can go to sleep. (I stayed awake for hours watching TV!) The more hours you sleep there, the better.

Hope this helps!

[Rose76]

Thank you very much, KarenSue. Did having the study done lead to treatment that helped you?

[KarenSue]

Yes, I was found to suffer sleep apnea (temporary absence or cessation of breathing. ). I did not know why I was always tired in the morning everyday, yet had slept. Turns out that I never reached a healthy sleep because I was waking up to take a breath...but didn't know it.

I now sleep with my cpap machine (constant positive air pressure) and wake up refreshed. It took some time to get used to the cpap, so if you get one, don't give up and USE it.

Not sure if this is your problem. I was never given anything for the restless leg syndrome, so I still move a lot while sleeping, but at least I'm sleeping. I typically can keep the mask on for 6 hrs or so, I usually wake in the morning with it off, so I guess I take it off sometime during the night, but the lovely sleep I do get is so restful, I'm ready to go the next day and no longer feel tired. (Added bonus, I no longer snore. Hubby appreciates that!)

They may find something else is wrong with your sleep, but the actual testing in a sleep lab is a piece of cake. The cost was $2,800 a night, but it was worth it to me.

After you have your sleep test, let me know what they find. If you get a cpap, PM me. I have more advice on that if you need it. Good luck, Rose!

[Rose76]

Than

I very much appreciate your input, KarenSue. I will try to keep an open mind to whatever they suggest. I had always thought I would be totally unwilling to consider using CPCP. But your input has changed my mind. That may or may not be what they'll recommend, but I'll be more receptive, now, to whatever advice I am given. Your feedback is very much appreciated.