My husband is going to the hospital tonight for a sleep study. He snores very loudly and seems to be grasping for breath at times. His Dr. thinks he may have asthma . We really don't know what they do or if he needs to take anything with him. If anyone knows please reply. Thanks
Hi,
It sounds more like he might have sleep apnea. I have this as well and know of the tests they will do at the hospital.
They are going to attach an oxsymeter to his finger to test his blood oxygen levels. This is painless as it's just a plastic clip they put on the end of his finger. They will also video tape him sleeping to see exactly what happens while he sleeps. It's been a long time since I went for my sleep study but it wasn't painful at all. They may hook up some other machines too...sorry, I can't remember.
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing while you sleep. That is why he may be gasping for breath. Most times it doesn't wake me up totally but my test showed that my sleep was disturbed over 200 times in a 4 hour period. My doctor told me this is not even close to severe. Some people have it 700 or more times in that same period of time. For severe sleep apnea they usually prescribe an oxygen mask for sleeping. I don't know a lot about that as I have not been prescribed anything more than a nasal spray for mine.
It can cause hypertension so I wouldn't be surprised if he has high blood pressure...I have this however they aren't sure if it's because of sleep apnea or not.
Don't be concerned about the sleep study, it's not painful and is a good way to see exactly what's going on.
If your husband snores chances are that's affecting your sleep too. I think this sleep clinic is a good idea for both of you and I wish you the best. My husband snores too but is trained to roll over if I poke him.Snoring is also a sign of sleep apnea. I had the sleep study. They said I have mild sleep apnea but the main problem for my lack of deep sleep (which they said I never got to) was ra pain. GRRRRR. But it is better now. The sleep study test is fun. They hook you up to so many wires and electrodes - I felt like Mrs. Frankenstein. They even let Brett sleep in another bed in the same room to keep me company
I need to practise i think!
jaxx
My aunt went in for a sleep study. They thought she had apnea as well. Instead she has some disorder where she just doesn't breathe properly, and so she doesn't oxegenate(sp) her blood. But she SOUNDS and LOOKS like she has sleep apnea when she's asleep. It's really weird. They gave her an oxygen tank for at night. She does pretty well now. I'm curious as to what your hubby has....