study of sleep

The Study of Sleep

Just a few hours ago, I returned home from an overnight sleep study. I

always enjoy these diagnostic tests and studies since they afford me

the opportunity to experience what my patients must endure. Just like

my MRI, I treated the evening not only as a diagnostic test to

ascertain the etiology of my own disordered sleep, but also as a study

of the diagnostic study itself, and an evaluation of what these types

of experiences are like for the average patient.

As I have consistently discovered, aside from the functionality of

equipment involved, the personality and approach of the technician

administering a diagnostic evaluation is likely the most important

aspect of the test's administration (not to overlook the cooperation

and open-mindedness of the test subject him- or herself).

Luckily for me, the technician who administered my sleep study was

personable, affable, funny, competent, kind, compassionate, and

apparently wholly interested in my need to have a positive experience,

in spite of his own challenge of being a circadian-challenged worker.

While he spent thirty minutes attaching numerous wires, tubes and

electrodes to various parts of my body, our exchanges included an

examination of his occupational challenges, the absurdity of the

situation in an existential type of way, and the odd nature of sleep

transform a relatively uncomfortable experience simply through the

power of their personality and approach to the task at hand. And at

this, my technician was richly skilled.

Apart from the interpersonal aspects of the situation, I was mostly

affected by the inherent irony of attempting to sleep "normally" under

what are undoubtedly abnormal conditions. The room, while homey like a

nice hotel, still had a somewhat clinical feeling, especially due to

the necessary presence of the equipment, wires, infrared video camera,

and tubes which give the room its clinical functionality.

Since this was a study to determine my sleep patterns, I was

instructed to eschew my usual medication which keeps my Restless Legs

Syndrome at bay for one to two days prior to the study. Consequently,

I was thoroughly exhausted from two nights of poor sleep, as well as

somewhat intimidated by the need to sleep on command. Exhausted,

overtired, unmedicated and uncomfortable, the challenge was a steep

one.

The picture: two cannulas in my nose (one for the measurement of

oxygen flow and one for heat); six electrodes glued to my scalp to

monitor brain waves; four sensors taped to my face to monitor eye

movement; one on my throat to record snoring vibrations; four

electrodes to the chest for an ECG; and two tight straps around my

chest and abdomen to measure breathing patterns and depth---all

attached to one "motherboard" which slept silently beside my pillow.

The initial result: two hours of tossing and turning, five hours of

relatively solid sleep interrupted by interesting trips to the

bathroom with the said wires and tubes along for the ride, and a

grateful arrival home to my peaceful and welcoming abode following 20

laps at the pool to wash off the night's travails.

So, if I am again meant to sleep and perchance to dream, may the

results of this most interesting and amusing study be edifying and

useful to both myself and my trusted diagnosticians. If not, then it's

back to the drawing board, and the overall elusive nature of healthy,

restful sleep.