Sleep study tonight (2nd try)

$5000 for the sleep test is insane. The highest price I found in Maryland, without insurance, was $2300. Median was about $1400. Low end was $1250.

Many companies (trucking companies) will not accept a home study without a follow up lab study, just for information.

I was under the impression any respectable Dr will not simply accept a home study without that follow up. Too easy to "cheat" a home study.

As for the issue of sleeping in a lab. I get it. I do. I'm the kind of person who has issues sleeping in strange places as well, at least for the first couple nights. Add in the wires and the limitations (stay on your back etc) it's a pain. But on top of that, you're psyching yourself out here. It's clear by your posts you are going in with that pressure on yourself. Your trying this med and taking that pill. I know it's not easy, but you gotta calm down. Chill out a little, however you have to do that. Hit the head and rub one out if that's the kinda thing that works for you. Read, do something that bores you to death. Put some daytime soap operas on your phone and watch those, unless that's your jam, then don't.

Find a way to calm yourself. It's the only way your going to get through this without having to repeat and repeat again. And again.

 

As for the efficacy of the test itself, I'm a believer. I've already gone over how it's improved things in my life so I won't get into all that again.

But here's the thing. Some people, or many people, will always be skeptical. Specially where health comes in to play. There is a certain paranoia that some people have and that is what it is. "It's all about the money!" " It's cash grab and there are kickbacks!"

I don't claim to know for a fact there isn't something else behind this other than safety. I think it's a fair mix of safety and security. As in the companies are pushing the studies to alleviate potential law suits from tired driver accidents.

For my part, I'm on board because I've seen the results first hand. But that's anecdotal. The best advice I can give is, just get used to it. It's easy for these guys who have been in the business for years and have experience and great safety records are able to easily say "I refuse to take the test, I'll go work somewhere else." But for us newbies, we don't have near as many options as they do. Accept that, and either do what you gotta do to get that job, or look in another industry.

 

watch baseball

 

Once again, this is a one size fits all deal. Right down the line with mandatory elogs, etc.

The factors are are obviously widespread. However, as is always the case with every law or regulation there's always someone who gets screwed.

The last DOT physical I had in May 2016, the PA was suggesting I do a sleep study to find out if I have sleep apnea. Why? Because I fall under 3 of the 10 or so signs I "might" have sleep apnea:
1) I'm over 50
2) I'm over the BMI threshold
3) I take BP medicine.

I know for a fact I don't have sleep apnea. I've been married for 38 years, my wife has never complained about me snoring, I don't.

I fall into deep REM stages of dreaming every night, heck I even dream in color.

I don't get drowsy during the day, etc.

Yet, if they push this thing through, I'll be forced to to lay in some bed with with wires and tubes hooked up to me in some room or bed I've never slept in, while some geek is monitoring me sleeping.

Is this not one of the stupidest arse things you've ever heard of? Yet, this is the nanny state we've become here in the U.S.

 

Having an artificial light when trying to sleep messes up your brain too, so you don't feel sleepy. As in phone screens, tvs, etc.

 

It's not easy sleeping in strange room and thinking someone is watching you. I don't even like sleeping in motels room. Then add the wires. Then add sleeping in different clothes then normal. I sleep in T- shirt and lose shorts. That not what I normally sleep in. So it not easy. Then just the idea you need someone to watch how you sleep. That's exactly the opposite of how we normally sleep in truck. Sleeping is kind of a private thing. They gave me a sleeping pill it did not help much. The second sleep test when they hooked up the CPAP I noticed a big difference that morning

Don't think it scam it help me a lot. I had very high AHI or events. Nobody wants to hear they have sleep apnea.

 

I thought "Xanax" was on the "Don't use" List ? ? ? ?

Can Commercial Drivers use Xanax (for sleep)???

 

Well the op made a racket in his short time here.

 

I wonder what ever happened to him. He probably at home relaxing or moved on to try another job.