Why is it critical to educate patients during the sleep study process?

Educating patients during the sleep study process is critical primarily because it helps to mitigate anxiety. When patients are informed about what to expect during the study—such as the procedures involved, the purpose of the recordings, and the environment—they are more likely to feel at ease and less apprehensive about the experience. This understanding can significantly reduce their stress levels, which in turn can lead to more accurate and valid study results, as a relaxed patient is less likely to exhibit disturbed sleep patterns that may confound the data.

While other aspects, such as consent and awareness of costs, are also important in the context of patient care, they do not address the immediate impact on the patient's psychological state during the study. Additionally, while educating patients might streamline the process to some extent, the primary focus should always be on their comfort and understanding to ensure the integrity of the sleep study.