Is it worth getting a sleep study?

My doctor asked if I wanted to try a sleep study to see if I have sleep apnea, but is it worth it? My parents have always dismissed them as a waste of time. I’ve never been interested until now. I’m constantly fatigued to the point where I need caffeine to stay awake. My doctors thought it might just be chronic fatigue, but I’m wondering if there’s something else to it. I want to know others’ experiences and if you think an at-home sleep study would be worth a shot.

I had two sleep studies and now have a CPAP. It’s so worth it. It’s life-changing. If you sleep next to a partner, they can help identify if you have sleep apnea, which is very obvious. Sleep apnea weakens your heart, so this is a long-term benefit.

@Flynt
I didn’t realize all that about sleep apnea! I don’t have a partner, so I only rely on my own perspective. Thanks for sharing!

Neve said:
@Flynt
I didn’t realize all that about sleep apnea! I don’t have a partner, so I only rely on my own perspective. Thanks for sharing!

Consider recording yourself while you sleep. You might stop breathing, which can damage your heart.

@Flynt
The camera is a good idea! I’ll try that. Ugh, that sounds scary.

Think of it like having a toothache. Should you go to a dentist? The answer is YES. Your parents are wrong. If it’s sleep apnea, they can treat it. If it’s not, you can rule it out. Zero downside.

Darin said:
Think of it like having a toothache. Should you go to a dentist? The answer is YES. Your parents are wrong. If it’s sleep apnea, they can treat it. If it’s not, you can rule it out. Zero downside.

That’s what I figured too. If it’s nothing, then there’s nothing to treat. At least I can know what it is and get treatment for it. Thank you!

Please do it. I’ve done multiple. Do not skip this. If they find something that needs treatment, it will change your life.

Definitely worth it. I just did my 2nd one to test for narcolepsy because my sleep apnea was negative but I still experience extreme daytime sleepiness.

Shai said:
Definitely worth it. I just did my 2nd one to test for narcolepsy because my sleep apnea was negative but I still experience extreme daytime sleepiness.

Yeah, it’s probably better to know than not know. Good luck with your results!

Shai said:
Definitely worth it. I just did my 2nd one to test for narcolepsy because my sleep apnea was negative but I still experience extreme daytime sleepiness.

Do you know your RDI? If your test didn’t provide it, you might not get the whole picture.

@Kim
I have the report. I fell asleep quickly and my oxygen levels were around 90%.

Shai said:
@Kim
I have the report. I fell asleep quickly and my oxygen levels were around 90%.

Do you have cataplexy? Do you lose muscle control when excited?

Kim said:

Shai said:
@Kim
I have the report. I fell asleep quickly and my oxygen levels were around 90%.

Do you have cataplexy? Do you lose muscle control when excited?

I do not.

Yes, it’s worth it.

Yes, 100%. There are many reasons for fatigue; you need to understand what’s causing it to treat it.

Getting a CPAP changed my life. I have so much more energy now. Sleep is crucial for mental and physical health, so if you’re tired all the time, I highly recommend it.

Jaime said:
Getting a CPAP changed my life. I have so much more energy now. Sleep is crucial for mental and physical health, so if you’re tired all the time, I highly recommend it.

Thank you for sharing! It’s great to hear how this testing has helped many people, including you. I feel better about my decision to do it.

YES, 100% get a sleep study. I learned I had mild sleep apnea and that my sleeping position affects it significantly.

Brynn said:
YES, 100% get a sleep study. I learned I had mild sleep apnea and that my sleeping position affects it significantly.

I didn’t realize how much information a sleep study could provide! Sounds interesting! Thank you for sharing.