Question 1

What happens during an overnight sleep study?

Accepted Answer

During an in-laboratory polysomnography, you sleep overnight at a sleep center while technicians monitor multiple body functions. Sensors attached to your scalp track brain waves to identify sleep stages, while electrodes near your eyes and chin detect REM sleep and muscle activity. Belts around your chest and abdomen measure breathing effort, nasal sensors detect airflow, and a pulse oximeter monitors oxygen levels. Leg sensors detect movements. Despite the equipment, most patients sleep adequately for diagnostic purposes. You typically arrive in the evening and leave the next morning after approximately 6 hours of recorded sleep.

Question 2

How effective is CPAP therapy for sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

CPAP is highly effective when used consistently. Studies show it eliminates breathing pauses in over 95% of users, improves oxygen levels, reduces daytime sleepiness, lowers blood pressure, and decreases cardiovascular risk. The key challenge is adherence - benefits require using CPAP at least 4 hours per night on 70% of nights. Modern machines are quieter and offer multiple mask options for comfort. Most patients who persist through the initial adjustment period report significant improvement in sleep quality and daytime energy.

Question 3

Can insomnia be cured without medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line treatment and is more effective than sleeping pills for long-term improvement. CBT-I typically involves 6-8 sessions addressing thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate insomnia, including sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Studies show 70-80% of patients improve significantly with CBT-I, and benefits persist long after treatment ends, unlike medications where insomnia often returns when stopped.

Question 4

What is the difference between tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness?

Accepted Answer

Tiredness is feeling fatigued or lacking energy, while excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is an actual propensity to fall asleep inappropriately. With EDS, you may fall asleep during meetings, while driving, or during conversations - situations where a tired person would remain awake. EDS suggests a sleep disorder disrupting sleep quality (like sleep apnea) or affecting wake drive (like narcolepsy). Distinguishing between these helps target evaluation. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale quantifies sleepiness based on likelihood of dozing in various situations.

Question 5

Should I see a sleep specialist or try over-the-counter sleep aids first?

Accepted Answer

For occasional, short-term sleep difficulties related to stress or jet lag, over-the-counter options may provide temporary relief. However, you should see a sleep specialist if sleep problems persist beyond 2-3 weeks, if you snore heavily or have witnessed breathing pauses, if you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, or if sleep issues affect your work or safety. Undiagnosed sleep apnea cannot be treated with sleeping pills and may be worsened by them. A specialist can identify the root cause and provide targeted, effective treatment rather than masking symptoms.

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