Sunday, July 29, 2018

How to Prepare for a Sleep Study



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Jaxson's first sleep study


Let's rewind for a second...


When Jaxson was born our Pediatrician was concerned about his recessed chin, or micrognathia. They were especially concerned when he was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia, an airway disorder, and his micrognathia. Why you ask? Well Laryngomalacia occurs when the larynx is softened and flops back and forth when the child breathes. Since he had the softening of his larynx and micrognathia it was a concern for severe obstructive sleep apnea events.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?


Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and blocks the airway during sleep. It is also one of a few types of sleep apnea disorders.

How does one diagnosis this?


In order to diagnosis sleep apnea, one has to partake in a sleep study at a Sleep Center. Generally when you go in for a sleep study it is after hours around 6 pm and you check out at 6 am the following morning. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.

Our son Jaxson didn't like to have the CPAP in his nose, therefore we were frequently trying to place it back. There seemed to be hundreds of cords attached to his head and Jaxson wanted to rip out every single one of them.

7 Tips to make your time at a sleep study less stressful:

Jaxson in his rock n' play

1. Try to keep to your child's bed time routine. At that point in time, the only way Jaxson would sleep was if he was in his rock n' play and swaddled with his pacifier. I know it is going to be difficult to keep your routine but bringing their favorite book, stuffed animal, or blanket could help make your stay a little better. We literally brought our rock n' play with us to help him feel a little 'at home'. The blanket and pacifier helped comfort him as well.


2. BRING YOUR PHONE CHARGER. I couldn't sleep because I was either wrestling with him to keep his bandage (on his head) and keep the tubing (CPAP) in his nose, I was stressed about the results, and I had anxiety because we weren't home. I know no one will be up to talk to but you can lurk on Facebook, catch up on the recent gossip, or play Angry Birds. Nothing is more upsetting then your phone dying and you have NO phone charger.

3. Bring your child's tablet (if child is older). Jaxson wasn't old enough for a tablet but if he was I would've brought my oldest son's Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition. This tablet is an absolute godsend on road trips, shopping trips, doctor appointments, etc. Ensure you bring the charger to that as well!

4. If you have other children, PLAN AHEAD. Please, PLEASE plan ahead. You cannot bring any other children or adult with you. Nothing is more stressful than trying to find a last minute baby sitter! If you are a military family like us it is extra hard to find someone to babysit last minute, our family is too far away.

5. Bring snacks! YESSS. Pack snacks! The two times we've gone to a sleep study they didn't have anything to eat or drink. Pack your child's favorite snack and juice box!

6. Wear comfortable clothing. This is obvious. I wore a pair of comfy sweats and a big t-shirt to his sleep study. I knew it was going to be a rough night and wanted to be comfortable. Also bring your child in a two piece because they'll have a lot of cables! It'll be easier on everyone involved if they're wearing a two piece pajama set and not a sleeper.

7. Last but not least... bring patience. This is going to be hard for them and you. They're going to be scared when they wrap their heads with bandage to keep the leeds attached to their heads. They're not going to be in the comfort of their home and stressed out. Patience is key.

I hope that these tips make your sleep study successful and not extra stressful! What tips have you found worked for you at a sleep study? Please share below!


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56 Comments:

At July 30, 2018 at 1:03 AM , Blogger Delhifundos said...

I was looking for something similar but not able to find. Lucky me I saw your blog. Thanks.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 2:52 AM , Blogger chelf said...

great tips. Comfy clothes and snacks will definitely make the experience a bit less stressful! Earphones too so that you can listen to music if you get tired of angry birds ;)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:47 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very informative. Did not know about it. But know I do�� Enas

 
At July 30, 2018 at 4:23 AM , Blogger Delhifundos said...

I just stumbled upon this blog today and not regretting spending even a minute of my reading time.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 4:39 AM , Blogger Keely said...

Such an interesting read, you have really opened up my eyes!


- xoxkeely
www.xoxkeely.blogspot.com :)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 6:42 AM , Blogger Lois Alter Mark said...

This is great information. My husband did a sleep study, and I can't imagine how much harder it would be for a child to go through it. Knowing all of this upfront will definitely help make it easier.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 8:05 AM , Anonymous Kate Kreates said...

This sounds like a stressful night for you... Such great tips for helping others who have to deal with this though!

 
At July 30, 2018 at 9:10 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

This would be very helpful. Thanks for the tips !

 
At July 30, 2018 at 9:39 AM , Blogger Michaela Quigley said...

This is so intense. I've never had to do a sleep study. In fact, some people thought I have a problem because I can fall asleep at any time anywhere. I love sleep. I think my tips would be do something relaxing like reading before bed, sleep in a cool dark area, and use comfy blankets.


XOXO
mQs
www.shorelifeofm.blogspot.com

 
At July 30, 2018 at 1:01 PM , Blogger Nishkawa said...

Very informative and great tips.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 1:03 PM , Blogger Stephanie said...

We haven't had to do a sleep study for my boys, but these are great tips for almost any overnight stay somewhere. I would add maybe to bring an extension cord for those phone/tablet cords. Often the plugs in doctor/hospital settings are convenient for their equipment but not for yours. This helped a lot when my youngest was born so I could actually reach my phone while it was charging.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 1:35 PM , Anonymous Joline said...

I had a sleep study done for myself and it was very uncomfortable. I can imagine how much harder it must be for kids! Patience is a must.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 2:09 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

This is such great advice! My son was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea due to excessively large tonsils and needed a sleep study and tonsillectomy which was so tough for our little man, he was only 2 at the time.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:10 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Delhi. :) Thank you for stopping by!

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:10 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hello Chelf -- Yes! I didn't think to add that either ;) That is a great idea.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:11 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you again Delhi! :) Hope you come back to visit!

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:11 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hello Keely -- Thank you ;)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:12 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hello Lois -- Thank you! Kids always make it fun and interesting ;)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:12 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Kate -- It really was, didn't sleep much at all. I hope to help ease other family's time at a sleep study! <3

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:12 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you and you're welcome :)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:13 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hey Michaela -- Thank you. I love sleep too and can't wait to get a decent nights rest again! :) A great book with your child is also a great idea, thank you.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 3:40 PM , Blogger Christa said...

I can’t imagine having to deal with this. Not only are you going through it, but you are also helping others.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 6:00 PM , Blogger kumamonjeng said...

Glad to learn about sleep apnea disorder here and the tps to prepare for sleep study. It is very informative and details. This information should reach out to more people especially new mom and mom to be!

 
At July 30, 2018 at 6:47 PM , Blogger Marjie Mare said...

Thanks so much for sharing that informative post. A lot of my members undergo sleep study, and it can be overwhelming for parents.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:41 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hello Marjorie, thank you for your response. Where do you work if you don't mind me asking? :)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:42 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Hello Kumamon, thank you for stopping by. Yes, I hope to help new moms, moms to be, and special needs parents as well!

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:43 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Christa (awesome middle name by the way ;) -- mines Anne as well)! Yes it has been a rough year but he's doing so much better. I hope to help others so that they don't feel lost like we did. <3

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Yes, perfect thinking Stephanie! Extension cord would definitely help since the outlets are generally hard to reach. Thank you for sharing your ideas :)

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Joline! I hope all is well with you <3

 
At July 30, 2018 at 7:45 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Oh my thank you! What a little trooper your son was! How is he doing since the surgery?

 
At July 30, 2018 at 9:56 PM , Anonymous Tara said...

This sounds like quite the ordeal that you and son went through for the sleep study. I'm sure you're glad its all done. Thank you for the tips to help other parents who may end up going through the same.

 
At July 30, 2018 at 11:22 PM , Blogger Tanea Mae said...

Really great information, especially if I ever need to go through this with my baby!

 
At July 31, 2018 at 8:22 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

What helpful hints you've given! I can only imagine it isn't the easiest with a precious little.

 
At July 31, 2018 at 9:24 AM , Blogger pradnya said...

Very useful tips! I don’t know if we have sleep studies here though.

 
At July 31, 2018 at 9:28 AM , Blogger Angela Tolsma said...

I've known adults to go through a sleep study but never a child. I can't imagine how stressful that would be. Great tips, especially the phone charger and planning for your other kids.

 
At July 31, 2018 at 9:29 AM , Blogger Jasmine @ The Jasmine Maria said...

So many great tips for parents. I can only imagine how difficult it can be to have a baby and go through this.

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Tara. I am but we will have to schedule a third in the fall, I just want to make sure his apnea isn't worse and getting better.

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Tanea and congratulations <3

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Ashley <3

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:44 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you -- where do you live?

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:45 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Angela -- it is definitely nerve racking! Haha

 
At July 31, 2018 at 2:45 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Jasmine <3

 
At July 31, 2018 at 7:38 PM , Anonymous GiGi Eats said...

I had NO IDEA that a child so young could have sleep apnea. Good to know but also makes me a tad nervous because I am currently pregnant - and think about all the issues that could result!

 
At July 31, 2018 at 11:07 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Aww, being a parent is difficult -- even when the baby is still in your belly! Always constant worry! I know I've been a bundle of nerves since I got my first positive with my oldest almost 6 years ago!

 
At August 1, 2018 at 1:18 PM , Blogger Becca Wilson said...

These are some really great tips when it comes to sleep. Even as adults we have a hard time getting to sleep, so making sure we help little ones the best we can is so important.

 
At August 1, 2018 at 3:44 PM , Blogger Angela Campos said...

These are all such great tips! My son had some sleep issues when he was a baby and it was very stressful!!

 
At August 1, 2018 at 10:15 PM , Blogger annies home said...

sleep studies show so much about what is going on that other wise would not be known , thanks so much for offering such great tips

 
At August 2, 2018 at 6:42 AM , Blogger Once Upon a Dollhouse said...

Thanks so much sharing your journey! We appreciate it.

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:10 AM , Blogger Eloise said...

My older brother had to do a sleep test a few years ago, he had trouble breathing in his sleep (thanks to my sister inlaw she noticed his breathing problem and made him go in).
These are great tips you've shared, thanks!

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:51 AM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Becca :) I miss being able to sleep for hours and hours uninterrupted lol #momlife

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:52 AM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you! Oh no! What type of sleep issues did your little have?

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:52 AM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Dollhouse <3

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:52 AM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Angie <3

 
At August 2, 2018 at 10:53 AM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Eloise, I'm glad that your sister in law noticed and sent him in! <3

 
At August 3, 2018 at 7:46 PM , Blogger Paula Stewart said...

Wow I had no idea of the complexity of your experience I am very glad you shared,this is great information Thank You ! Semper Fi Jaxon, you are obviously a hard corps lil man.

 
At August 4, 2018 at 6:53 PM , Blogger JaxsonsMomJennie said...

Thank you Sweet Southern Savings! :) And I like what you did there.. "hard corps" LOL. Made me giggle, thank you for stopping by!

 

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