Reasons for a sleep study
Studies have shown that lack of sleep goes hand in hand with more serious health problems, which can be life-threatening. Sleep deprivation can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, increased risk of stroke, and increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to drowsy driving. Signs that you may need a sleep study include:
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Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
Lower energy levels
Waking up feeling tired
Irritability
Weight gain
Snoring |
Heartburn
Nightmares
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Depression
Frequent accidents |
Test Your Sleepiness and Fatigue
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations, in contrast to feeling “just tired?” This refers to your usual way of life in recent times. Even if you have not done some of these things recently, try to work out how they would have affected you.
Use the following scale to chose the most appropriate number for each situation.
0 = would never doze | 1 = slight chance of dozing | 2 = moderate chance of dozing | 3 = high chance of dozing
Situation Chance of Dozing
- Sitting and reading 0 1 2 3
- Watching television 0 1 2 3
- Sitting, inactive in a public place (e.g. theater or meeting) 0 1 2 3
- As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break 0 1 2 3
- Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstance permits 0 1 2 3
- Sitting and talking quietly to someone 0 1 2 3
- Sitting quietly after lunch without alcohol 0 1 2 3
- In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic 0 1 2 3
Total your score
1 - 6 Congratulations, you are getting enough sleep!
7 - 8 Your score is average
9 and up Seek the advice of a sleep specialist without delay
Fatigue Severity Scale
The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) is a method of evaluating the impact of fatigue on you. The FSS is a short questionnaire that requires you to rate your level of fatigue. A low value (e.g. 1) indicates strong disagreement with the statement, whereas a high value (e.g. 7) indicates strong agreement. It is important that you circle a number (1 to 7) for every question.
| FSS Questionnaire |
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| During the past week, I have found that: |
Disagree <----------------> Agree |
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| My motivation is lower when I am fatigued. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Exercise brings on my fatigue. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| I am easily fatigued. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Fatigue interferes with my physical functioning. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Fatigue causes frequent problems for me. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| My fatigue prevents sustained physical functioning. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Fatigue interferes with carrying out certain duties and responsibilities. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Fatigue is among my three most disabling symptoms. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
| Fatigue interferes with my work, family, or social life. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
Total Score:
A total score of less than 36 suggests that you may not be suffering from fatigue.
A total score of 36 or more suggests that you may need further evaluation by a physician.
Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep can be cause by a variety of factors. A sleep study can help determine which of the factors is interfering with your sleep. The Sleep lab team will work with your physician to create a care plan to help you sleep better.
Sleep Apnea Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common kind of sleep apnea and is caused when the airway has become blocked, causing breathing to pause for a few seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in overweight patients but can be found n all segments of the population. Treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include positioning, weight loss, avoiding alcohol, oral appliances, surgery, or continuous positive air pressure (CPAP).
Central Sleep Apnea is a rare condition in which the brain fails to tell the body to breathe. Treatment for central sleep apnea varies depending upon the exact cause and diagnosis.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. It is caused by a neurological disorder that can cause people to quickly fall asleep or experience a sudden muscle weakness. Treatments include lifestyle management or drug therapy.
Insomnia
Insomnia is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Symptoms of insomnia can include daytime sleepiness, irritability, general tiredness, or problems with concentration or memory. Your physician will do a complete examination which may include a sleep study. Treatment for insomnia may include behavior modification or sleeping pills.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness may be caused by medical conditions, not getting enough sleep, medications or sleep disorders. This condition may be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or treatment for an underlying condition.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome, the need to move your legs during the night to relieve uncomfortable sensations, can lead to insomnia. Treatment may include warm baths, massage and relaxation techniques.
How to get a good night’s sleep
- Get up at the same time each day
- Exercise
- Don’t nap during the day
- Do relaxing activities in the half-hour before bed
- Avoid caffeine from late afternoon on
- Cut down on alcohol
- Get some sunshine
- make your bedroom dark
- Use your bed only for sleep or sex
- Avoid eating large meals or large snacks before bed