Tag Archive for: Sleep Apnea

Sleep Divorce: The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea for a Harmonious Bedroom

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Sleep Divorce: The Importance of Treating Sleep Apnea for a Harmonious Bedroom

Sleep is an essential part of our lives, and for many couples, sharing a bed can be a beautiful way to connect and bond. However, what happens when snoring becomes a disruptive force, leading to a phenomenon known as a “sleep divorce”? In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of a sleep divorce, its impact on relationships, and why it’s crucial to get tested and treated for sleep apnea to get back in the bedroom and rekindle the romance.

The Sleep Divorce: An Unwanted Separation

A sleep divorce is not a legal separation but rather a scenario where one partner, often due to snoring, is forced to leave the bedroom and sleep in another room. While it may seem like a harmless solution to get a good night’s sleep, it can have profound effects on the relationship. Sleeping separately can lead to feelings of isolation, disconnection, and even intimacy issues, which, if left unaddressed, can harm the partnership.

The Role of Sleep Apnea

One of the most common reasons for disruptive snoring and the need for a sleep divorce is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This condition not only affects the quality of sleep but also puts the affected individual at risk for various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

When one partner has sleep apnea, the other may suffer from sleep deprivation due to the loud snoring and frequent awakenings. This sleep deprivation can lead to frustration and ultimately drive a wedge between partners. However, what many couples don’t realize is that sleep apnea is a treatable condition.

The Importance of Testing and Treatment

If you or your partner is experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness, it’s crucial to seek professional help. A sleep study, conducted either in a sleep clinic or at home, can diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity.

Once diagnosed, effective treatment options are available, including:

  1. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: This involves wearing a mask that delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airways open during sleep.
  2. Oral Appliance Therapy: Custom-made oral devices can help reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway blockage.
  3. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and changing sleep positions can sometimes alleviate mild sleep apnea.
  4. Surgical Interventions: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue or correct structural issues causing airway obstruction.

Getting Back in the Bedroom

By seeking treatment for sleep apnea, you can improve not only your health but also your relationship. When snoring and sleep apnea are under control, partners can return to sharing a bed, fostering a more intimate and connected relationship. A restful night’s sleep benefits both individuals, leading to better physical and emotional well-being.

A sleep divorce caused by snoring and untreated sleep apnea can strain even the strongest relationships. It’s essential to recognize the signs of sleep apnea, seek professional help, and commit to treatment. By doing so, you can eliminate the need for a sleep divorce, rekindle the romance in your relationship, and enjoy the benefits of sharing a bed once again. Remember, a good night’s sleep can lead to happier mornings and a healthier, happier partnership.

If you have sleep related issues contact our sleep medicine providers at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center and Say Hello to Sleep Again…

What is a CPAP and why do you need one?

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What is a CPAP and why do you need one?

U.S. President Joe Biden has begun using a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP, to treat his sleep apnea and improve his sleep quality White House officials said on Wednesday.
So, what exactly is a CPAP?

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is a medical device used primarily to treat sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses in breathing can disrupt sleep and lead to other health issues.

 

How does a CPAP work?

The CPAP machine works by delivering a constant flow of air pressure to the person’s airways through a mask worn over the nose or both the nose and mouth. The increased air pressure helps to keep the airways open, preventing them from collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep. By maintaining open airways, the CPAP machine ensures a continuous and uninterrupted flow of oxygen, allowing the person to breathe normally while asleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Who needs a CPAP?

The primary purpose of CPAP therapy is to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, which include excessive snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and poor concentration. It can also help reduce the risk of associated health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes. CPAP therapy is usually prescribed after a sleep study or a diagnosis of sleep apnea by a medical professional.

It is important to note that CPAP machines are prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals. They can provide different settings and pressures tailored to individual needs. Regular usage of the CPAP machine during sleep is essential to get its full benefits and improve overall sleep quality and health.

If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, our sleep medicine specialists at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center are here to help. We have ten convenient locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chantilly, Dumfries, Germantown, Fredericksburg, Lansdowne, Manassas, and Woodbridge. Visit out website or give us a call at 703-729-3420 for more information on sleep apnea and its various treatment options.

Can a Dirty CPAP Make You Sick?

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Can a Dirty CPAP Make You Sick?

Why keeping your CPAP clean is important

Do CPAP machines really get dirty? Yes! A dirty CPAP machine can harbor germs and make you sick if they are not cleaned regularly.

Over time, bacteria and oils on a dirty mask may give you a rash or infection on the skin. If the water tank is not cleaned regularly there is the potential for bacteria or mold to grow.

If you are frequently sick or experience any of the following symptoms a dirty CPAP machine could be the problem.

  • Congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Sinus infections
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Skin irritation
  • Airway/lung irritation
  • Respiratory infection

Regularly cleaning your CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is essential for several reasons:

  1. Hygiene: Cleaning your CPAP machine helps maintain good hygiene by removing bacteria, mold, and other potential contaminants. The warm and moist environment inside the CPAP machine provides an ideal breeding ground for these microorganisms, which can lead to respiratory infections and other health issues if inhaled.
  2. Preventing Allergies: Dust, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate in the CPAP machine over time. If not cleaned regularly, these particles can be released into the air you breathe, potentially triggering allergies and exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma.
  3. Prolonging Machine Lifespan: Proper maintenance and cleaning can help extend the lifespan of your CPAP machine. Dust and dirt buildup can cause clogs and reduce the effectiveness of the machine. Regular cleaning ensures that the components function optimally and reduces the risk of mechanical failures.
  4. Maintaining Efficacy: A clean CPAP machine delivers the prescribed air pressure effectively. If the mask, tubing, or filters are dirty, the airflow may be obstructed, reducing the therapeutic benefits of CPAP therapy. Cleaning the machine regularly helps maintain consistent and adequate air pressure, ensuring optimal treatment for sleep apnea or other respiratory conditions.

Remember a dirty CPAP can make you sick. So, with regular care, maintenance, and cleaning your CPAP will provide a more pleasant sleep experience and help you breathe easier.

Check out our CPAP Cleaning Instructions Here.

Sleep and Time Change

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How to sleep well during time changes

A time change can take a toll on your sleep. Adjusting to changes in your sleep patterns can be hard on your body. You can take steps to avoid disruption to your sleep by learning a few simple strategies.

What are the negative effects of the time change?

The annual change from standard time to daylight saving time is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and stroke. There are increased hospital admissions due to atrial fibrillation. There also is an increase in emergency room visits and missed medical appointments. Traffic accidents increase in the first few days after the change from standard time to daylight saving time. The spring and fall time changes have also been associated with mood disturbances and suicide.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports the elimination of daylight-saving time. A change to permanent standard time is best aligned with human circadian biology and has the potential to produce beneficial effects for public health and safety.

How does daylight saving time change affect your sleep?

We are most vulnerable to sleep deprivation in early March, as they transition from Standard Time to DST. One study found that the average person receives 40 minutes less sleep on the Monday after “Springing Forward” compared to other nights of the year.

During daylight saving time, we tend to go to bed and fall asleep later at night, resulting in sleep loss. The spring and fall time changes can also disrupt our sleep schedule and have a negative effect on the quality of our sleep. The changes to daylight saving time can be especially problematic for any populations that already experiences chronically insufficient sleep or other sleep difficulties. Those at greatest risk include teenagers, who tend to experience chronic sleep restriction during the school week, and night shift workers, who often struggle to sleep well during daytime hours.

Adjusting the time by one hour may not seem like a drastic change, but sleep experts have noted troubling trends that occur during the transition between Standard Time and DST, particularly in March. These issues include  increases in heart problems, mood disorders, and motor vehicle collisions. Some people also experience insomnia symptoms due to springtime changes.

During time change, you can take steps to help avoid disruption to your sleep. Getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a night provides tremendous health benefits and helps you perform at your best.

Daylight Saving Time Sleep Tips

  • Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Sleep hygiene refers to practices that can influence sleep for better or worse. In order to ease the transition of the time change, you should refrain from consuming alcohol before bed. While drinking can cause you to feel sleepy initially, alcohol also causes sleep disruptions and leads to poor sleep quality. Heavy meals before bedtime can also negatively affect how well you sleep that night.
  • Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day – including the weekends – is a healthy sleep hygiene practice that can also prepare you for time changes.
  • Gradually Alter Your Bedtime: Two to three days before the time change we recommend waking up 15-20 minutes earlier than usual. Then, on the Saturday before the time change, set your alarm clock back by an additional 15-20 minutes. Adjusting your wake-up time can help the body make a smoother transition when the time change occurs.
  • Spend Time Outdoors: Since natural light is a driving force behind our circadian rhythms, exposure to sunlight can alleviate feelings of tiredness during the day that often accompany time changes.
  • Nap in Moderation: People who experience sleep debt as a result of DST may find some relief by taking short naps during the day. These naps should never exceed 20 minutes in length; otherwise, you may wake up feeling groggy.
  • Don’t Consume Caffeine Too Close to Bedtime: Studies have found caffeine consumed within six hours of bedtime can disrupt your sleep cycle.

If you are experiencing sleep problems visit one of our sleep medicine providers at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center. Our doctors treat over 80 types of sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Narcolepsy. Give us a call and Say Hello to Sleep Again…

Sleep Problems and Female Infertility

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Can Sleep Apnea Cause Female Infertility?

Sleep and infertility -Have you ever thought about how they relate to one another?

Sleep plays a vital role in all our lives, affecting our quality of life, health, and yes even fertility. Getting a good night’s sleep helps refresh and restore your brain and body and regulate important hormones. Including the fertility-related hormones. Women with sleep disorders may be more than three times as likely to experience infertility as their counterparts who don’t have trouble sleeping.

A recent study showed that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more commonly seen in infertile women and increases the odds that a woman will be infertile.

Lack of Sleep Can Affect Fertility-Related Hormones

There’s a long list of “lifestyle” factors that we know can affect the fertility of both women and men. From weight issues, smoking, and stress, but you can add poor quality sleep to that list.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), lack of sleep, (6 or less hours a night)- which more than one third of Americans experience, can affect the hormones related to fertility. The part of the brain that regulates “sleep-wake hormones” in both men and women is also responsible for triggering the daily release of hormones that affect ovulation in women and sperm maturation in men.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s study, women with low quality sleep had lower rates of fertility than those getting adequate rest.

The importance of sleep is not only tied to the number of hours, but also to the quality of sleep: waking up frequently during the night disrupts the normal sleep cycle, which includes a deep sleep stage during which the body restores itself. Consistent poor-quality sleep can contribute to:

  • High blood pressure
  • Weight gain
  • Hormone imbalance

all of which can lead to fertility problems.

What Else Connects Sleep and Fertility?

Long-term lack of sleep can disrupt more than your hormonal balance. It can affect your fertility in indirect was too.

  • Mood changes. Over time, this could disrupt your relationship with your spouse or sexual partner.
  • Increasing your health conditions that can affect your fertility. These include diabetes, cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease and obesity.

Studies show that Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more commonly seen in infertile women and increases the odds that a woman will be infertile. More studies need to be done and we still have a lot to learn about how exactly sleep disorders may affect infertility. Even so, the results suggest that women can add infertility to the long list of health reasons to get help when they can’t fall or stay asleep.

If you’d like to have your sleep patterns assessed by a professional, or if you want to learn more about getting adequate sleep, please contact Comprehensive Sleep Care Center.

Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure- A Dangerous Pair

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Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure a Dangerous Pair

Many people think sleep apnea is as simple as loud snoring, but it’s much more than that. Sleep apnea affects many systems in the body and is associated with several serious conditions like high blood pressure.

High blood pressure puts a daily strain on the cardiovascular system which may lead to stroke, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Fortunately, managing high blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk for harmful health effects.

It’s important to understand the relationship between sleep apnea and high blood pressure because these two conditions affect one another, and treatment for sleep apnea can lower blood pressure in people who have both.

Sleep Apnea, like high blood pressure, isn’t normally something people usually detect on their own. If you have sleep apnea, you likely don’t know about it unless you’re keeping your bed partner up at night by snoring or that you are gasping in your sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off. Individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods of time when sleeping. Pauses in breathing can last just a few seconds to a few minutes and occur as little as 5 to as many as 30 times per hour.

Every time your oxygen level drops, this raises your blood pressure and causes an adrenaline surge. This puts increased stress on your heart because it must work harder to normalize your blood pressure.

 What Is the Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure?

 In healthy individuals, blood pressure naturally lowers by between 10 and 20%  at night, a phenomenon that is sometimes referred to as “blood pressure dipping“. People with severe OSA experience blood pressure dips less than 10%, which indicates a “non-dipping” blood pressure pattern.

People who have non-dipping blood pressure at night face an increased risk for cardiovascular issues. Additionally, many patients with OSA experience a sudden and pronounced elevation of their blood pressure when they wake up in the morning. This “morning surge” is another factor that may increase risk for cardiovascular disease.  OSA doesn’t only affect blood pressure at night. Studies show that daytime blood pressure levels also increase with sleep apnea severity.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders in the United States. Of people diagnosed with OSA, it is estimated that around half also have high blood pressure. The good news is that treatment for sleep apnea may aid in lowering blood pressure levels.

If you are suffering from high blood pressure it may benefit you to get checked for sleep apnea. Call one of our sleep medicine professionals today and get on the road to a healthier and happier you!

How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?

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How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Your Heart Health?

February is American Heart Month, so here at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center it is time to focus on your cardiovascular health.

Unfortunately, heart problems are a leading cause of illness and death in the United States. While factors like poor diet, limited exercise, and smoking can harm the heart, there is growing recognition of the dangers of lack of sleep or poor sleep on your heart health.

Getting enough quality sleep is necessary for our physical and mental wellbeing. Sleeping just 60 to 90 minutes more per night can make you a happier and healthier person. It is estimated that over 35% of adults don’t get enough sleep (7 hours per day) according to the CDC.

What health conditions are linked to a lack of sleep?

  • High blood pressure. During normal sleep, your blood pressure goes down. Having sleep issues means your blood pressure stays higher for a longer period of time. High blood pressure is one of the leading risks for heart disease and stroke. About 75 million Americans—1 in 3 adults—have high blood pressure.
  • Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that causes sugar to build up in your blood, a condition that can damage your blood vessels. Some studies show that getting enough good sleep may help people improve blood sugar control.
  • Obesity. Lack of sleep can lead to unhealthy weight gain. This is especially true for children and adolescents, who need more sleep than adults. Not getting enough sleep may affect a part of the brain that controls hunger.

What sleep conditions can hurt my heart health?

Sleep Apnea –Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This increases the risk for many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can also lead to a host of other problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes, depression, hypertension, and obesity.

  • 25 million S. adults suffer from obstructive sleep apnea.
  • The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research estimated that sleep apnea is probably responsible for 38,000 cardiovascular deaths
  • Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of heart failure by 140%, the risk of stroke by 60%, and the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.

 Insomnia – Insomnia refers to difficulty falling sleep, staying asleep, or both. As many as 1 in 2 adults experience short-term insomnia, and 1 in 10 may have long-lasting or chronic insomnia. Insomnia is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Over time, poor sleep can also lead to unhealthy habits that can hurt your heart, including higher stress levels, less motivation to be physically active, and unhealthy food choices.

What is the best heart healthy sleep advice?

  • Avoid caffeine near bedtime
  • Engage in physical exercise, preferably earlier in the day if possible
  • Turn off the computer, phone, and TV at least 30-60 minutes before going to sleep. Blue light from these devices makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Lastly when it comes to your sleep, make sure you do not have a sleep disorder. Follow up with your physician or our sleep medicine professionals.

If you are experiencing sleeping issues you should speak to your doctor or call Comprehensive Sleep Care Center at 703-729-3420 to see one of our sleep medicine specialists. We have 9 locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Chantilly, Dumfries, Lansdown and Woodbridge Virginia and Bethesda and Germantown Maryland. We are now offering TeleMedicine visits to new and returning patients. Comprehensive Sleep Care Center offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and care for sleep disorders with the goal of providing a better night’s sleep and a better day ahead.

Breast Cancer and Sleep Apnea

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Breast Cancer and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In a recent study, the incidence of breast cancer among patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea was significantly higher than that of the control group. In particular, the incidence of breast cancer was higher among patients aged ≥65 years. The result suggests that OSA may be a risk factor for breast cancer in women.

Recent studies have shown that disturbed sleep and low blood oxygen levels during the night, which are common in obstructive sleep apnea, may play an important role in the biology of different types of cancers.

In people with the OSA, the airway closes completely or partially many times during sleep, reducing the levels of oxygen in the blood. Common symptoms are snoring, chocking or gasping for air, disrupted sleep and excessive daytime tiredness.

The study found that people who have more airway closures during sleep and whose blood oxygen saturation levels fall below 90%, are diagnosed with cancer more often than people without sleep apnea.

The researchers also found that cancer was more common among women than men.

The most common type of cancer among women was breast cancer, while prostate cancer was the most prevalent among men. While the study can’t prove that sleep disorders cause cancer, it does show that there’s an association between the two.

Women are under-diagnosed for sleep apnea at a rate of 6-to-1

So why are women so under diagnosed?

Some of the reason’s women aren’t diagnosed with sleep apnea may be:

  • Many women talk with their general practitioners about their sleep problems rather than a sleep specialist. Some these doctors have preconceived notions about what a typical sleep apnea patient looks like and may overlook the reported symptoms by women when they don’t fit the common portrait.
  • Women maybe be embarrassed and less likely to report loud, chronic snoring.
  • Women usually report different symptoms than men which may lead to a misdiagnosis.
  • Common symptoms of OSA seen in women-
  • Women are more likely to be prescribed prescription medications (such as anti-depressants) rather than be sent for a sleep study.
  • Men may be less likely to be observant to their bed-partner’s sleep disturbances than women are. Many men who seek treatment for OSA only do so because of concern by their bedpartner.

Getting a quality night’s sleep is more important than you may have realized. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 7 or more hours of quality sleep a night. If you or your bedpartner are having any issues with sleeping or daytime sleepiness, make an appointment with our sleep medicine professions to get evaluated today. We are offering Televisits for new and returning patients. Give us a call and Say Hello to Sleep Again.

 

Safer Sleep Apnea Treatment During COVID-19

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A Safer Sleep Apnea Treatment During COVID-19

CPAP Alternative – Oral Appliance Therapy

 

CPAP Alternative

Over the years, we have heard it time and time again: I hate my CPAP, I’ve tried, but I really can’t tolerate it. I feel claustrophobic with the mask… isn’t there a CPAP alternative? Yes, there is! You can say Bye Bye CPAP and treat your sleep apnea and snoring without a mask with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). Oral Appliance is also a safe and CPAP alternative treatment option during these times of COVID 19

Position Statement

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or in cases where patients are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy. In addition, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) states that oral appliance therapy (OAT) should be prescribed as a first-line therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CPAP Non-Compliance

It is estimated that 30-50 percent of CPAP users don’t like their treatment; another survey discovered that about half of patients stop using CPAP within 1-3 weeks. Luckily, there is a better way to treat sleep apnea without a bulky CPAP or surgery.

A Better Treatment Option

Over 300,000 patients world-wide have found successful treatment with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), a custom-made oral device for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Oral Appliance Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating sleep apnea and snoring. In fact, 91% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality while wearing it.

CPAP Alternative for Sleep Apnea

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a no-mask CPAP alternative treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It is similar in appearance to a retainer. The Oral appliance is custom fit by a qualified dentist. It works by holding the jaw slightly forward. This keeps the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing and blocking your airflow/breathing during sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Millions suffer from the effects of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), yet few are aware of the potential health hazards.

The warning signs of OSA include

  • Frequent and loud snoring
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Waking during the night gasping for breath
  • Morning Headaches
  • Grinding Teeth

Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to the following health issues:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease – including sudden cardiac death
  • Stroke
  • Type-2 Diabetes
  • Weight Gain
  • Greater risk of car accidents due to drowsiness
  • Depression/anxiety
  • Decreased Sex Drive

Pretty serious stuff if left untreated.

Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can help you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

  • No mask or machine needed
  • Comfortable & easy to wear
  • Easy to disinfect and clean
  • Discreet & silent
  • Portable and easy for travel
  • No electricity needed
  • Allows for talking and drinking
  • Less issues for claustrophobic patients
  • Most patients see improvement in the first few nights
  • Better compliance rates compared to CPAP
  • Less cumbersome & more attractive compared to a CPAP
  • Significantly improves sleep apnea symptoms, i.e. oxygen saturation and daytime sleepiness

 OAT may be the perfect CPAP alternative solution for ending snoring, treating Sleep Apnea, and improving your sleep quality. It is an ideal treatment for patients who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who have severe OSA yet are unable or unwilling to tolerate CPAP therapy and/or surgery.

Comprehensive Sleep Care Center

We have the area’s top sleep medicine specialists with 9 convenient locations in Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Chantilly, Dumfries, Germantown, Lansdowne, Manassas, and Woodbridge.

We are the only sleep center in the Washington, DC Metro area to provide on-site oral appliance therapy with our own team of dentists experienced in treating sleep apnea. Because OSA is a medical condition, the claim is filed through your medical insurance provider. Most medical insurances cover the cost (after your deductible or co-insurance is met). We offer no-interest flexible payment plans for patients with higher deductibles.

If you are interested in learning more about Oral Appliance Therapy, visit our website today. You can also email our Patient Care Coordinator, Marvin, at [email protected]. Call today to find a better and safer CPAP alternative treatment!

Sleep Study FAQ

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SLEEP STUDY FAQ (ANSWERED BY A REGISTERED POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIST)

By Amanda Jones RPSGT

If you have questions about undergoing a sleep study, you’re not alone. Here are some FAQ that I get asked while working at Comprehensive Sleep Care Center as a Sleep Technologist. They may be able to help you understand the process and put you more at ease.

A sleep study, known as a polysomnogram, is an overnight test done in a sleep lab. Prior to the study, a sleep technologist will place sensors on your scalp, face, chest and legs. These sensors will record brainwave activity (to assess sleep stage), eye movements, muscle activity, heart rhythm, body movements, nasal/oral airflow, respiratory effort and oxygenation. In addition, your body position will be observed on video camera. All this information will better assist your sleep physician in determining the cause of any sleep related problems.

Sleep Study FAQ

Q: WHY DO I NEED A SLEEP STUDY?

A: Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Q: CAN MY SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER STAY WITH ME ON THE NIGHT OF MY STUDY?

A: Significant others may have helpful insight during the evaluation stage, but they are not usually permitted to stay with you on the night of your study. IF there is a reason they need to stay, please discuss it with your doctor during your consult.

Q: WHAT IF I CAN’T SLEEP?

A: Don’t stress, we don’t expect you to sleep as well as you would at home, and we take that into account. Nearly everyone can fall asleep during an in-lab study. In most cases, you do not need a full 6 hours of sleep for the doctor to make a diagnosis. There are several things you can do to help you sleep the night of your study. First consider waking a little earlier than usual on the day of your study. Do not take naps during the day. Avoid the consumption of all caffeine—skipping coffee, tea, soda pop, chocolate, energy drinks, and other caffeinated products.

Q: CAN I BRING MY OWN PILLOW?

A: Of course! We want you to be as comfortable as possible so you can sleep. Our sleep labs use My Pillows on each bed (one soft and one firm).  However, most people prefer their own pillow. In fact, if you have a special blanket or throw you sleep with, bring that as well! The more comfortable you feel the better you will sleep.

Q: WHAT ABOUT ALL THE WIRES? WILL THEY STAY ON ALL NIGHT?

A: After you arrive at the sleep center a technician will apply small sensors to your head and body with adhesive. The wires connecting the sensors to a headbox are usually gathered to the side with plenty of slack so you can move around during sleep. Elastic belts will be wrapped around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing. A clip will be placed on your finger or (in some cases your earlobe) to monitor oxygen levels in your bloodstream. Most people get used to it all very quickly. Everything is attached using medical tape and/or paste. The wires are attached to stay on all night. If anything does come loose the tech will enter the room to re-attach them during the night. We attempt to do this without waking the patient if possible. The sensors are attached to your body in a manner like electrocardiogram (EKG) electrodes and are not painful. In rare instances, some people with sensitive skin develop local irritation at the electrode sites. If you have experienced skin irritation due to EKG testing in the past, or have an adhesive allergy please notify the Sleep Center and the technologist prior to the study.

 Q: CAN I SLEEP ON MY SIDE? WHAT IF I MOVE AROUND IN MY SLEEP?

A: We want you to sleep in your natural position. Many people roll over and change positions multiple times during the night. While sleep apnea is more prevalent when sleeping on your back, the Technician may ask you to try sleeping on your back for a portion of the test. This allows us to check your breathing in multiple positions. IF you’re unable to, don’t worry! It may be very difficult to sleep on your stomach so the technician may ask you to use a pillow to keep you from rolling all the way onto your stomach.

Q: DURING MY SLEEP STUDY, WHAT IF I HAVE TO USE THE RESTROOM?

A: If you need to get up during your sleep study just notify your sleep technologist (by calling out or sitting up in the bed) and let them know that you need to use the restroom. They will unhook one or two central connections, which will enable you to get up and walk to the bathroom. The headbox even has a strap you can carry over your shoulder or around your neck. (The headbox is the device that all your wires connect into)

Q: MAY I SLEEP NAKED?

A: No. As a courtesy to our sleep techs we request that you sleep in pajamas or a t-shirt and shorts.

Q: HOW LONG IS THE SLEEP STUDY? WHAT IF I WAKE UP EARLY? CAN I SLEEP IN?

A: The wake-up time is 5 am, and unfortunately, we cannot allow patients to sleep in. Insurance requires a minimum of 6 hours of recording, and as long as we have reached that, you are free to leave before 5 am (some restrictions may apply depending on if the patient took a sleeping medication). Many people ask why they must get up so early. Our Sleep Technicians need to ensure all patients are up and checked out so they can upload all the data to be read and get home so they too can get some sleep.

Q: HOW HARD IS THE PASTE TO GET OUT OF MY HAIR?

A: The paste is water soluble! You can use a hairbrush, but some paste will remain. The best thing to do is wash your hair with very warm water. We recommend using conditioner first to loosen up the paste and then washing your hair. Rubbing alcohol is also an effective, quick way to remove paste but can be rough on the scalp. Also, Micellar water can be effective and less harsh.

Q: CAN THEY TELL ME THE RESULTS OF MY SLEEP STUDY IN THE MORNING?

A: Unfortunately, no. The sleep technologist is collecting data that will be interpreted by your sleep medicine physician. You will receive your results at your follow-up visit.

Whether you were a little nervous about your upcoming sleep study, or just curious about the process, we hope this cleared up a few questions and put your mind at ease! Remember, your Comprehensive Sleep Care Center sleep technologist is not only there to gather information, but they are there to make the process as comfortable as possible! We look forward to seeing you soon!