How sleep medicine can help you catch more Zs
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Have you wondered if a sleep lab could benefit your slumber?
Jazeela Fayyaz, doctor of osteopathic medicine, specializing in pulmonary and sleep medicine at Rochester Regional Health, offered an inside glimpse of what happens inside the walls of a sleep lab and how patients can benefit.
First comes a referral from a physician. Discussing symptoms like daytime sleepiness, or suspected sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can help the primary care provider determine if a referral is in order.
“If we’re concerned about sleep apnea, we’ll set up a sleep study where they’d go to the lab,” Fayyaz said. “These studies can be set up at home sometimes.”
Patients undergoing a sleep study in the lab stay there overnight in a room set up like a hotel room to encourage good rest. They wear electrodes and leads head to toe so that the provider can take readings to study later.
“Most people fall asleep pretty easily,” Fayyaz said. “We have a first night effect where some might find it difficult to fall asleep away from home, but most people get a couple hours’ sleep. We also have patients who say it’s nice to get away because they sleep better away from home.”
In a couple of weeks, the results are compiled and the provider can meet with the patient to go over the results and as needed, pursue treatment. They may receive a CPAP machine to help with breathing if sleep apnea is diagnosed. The CPAP machine works by pushing air into the back of the throat via a breathing mask.
CPAP is 90% successful for improving sleep in people to whom it is prescribed.
“Sometimes, they have other treatment options like dental devices that adjust the jaw or tongue while sleeping or if it’s mild, we don’t treat pts as no other therapy is needed,” Fayyaz said. “It may be hypoglossal nerve stimulation, which involves a few more tests.”
This therapy is for patients who struggle with CPAP. A newer treatment, hypoglossal nerve stimulation involves implanting a device under the skin on the right side of the upper chest to stimulate a nerve to push the tongue forward while sleeping. That prevents sleep apnea.
Providers may also recommend losing weight, exercising and better sleep positions. Sleeping on the back promotes sleep apnea, but pillows can help encourage side sleeping. Fayyaz also said that elevating the head of the bed helps with apnea.
With any patients struggling with sleep, sleep hygiene can improve the quality and quantity of rest.
People should have a bedroom that is dark, cool and comfortable and wear comfortable night clothing. The bedroom should free of stressors like clutter, bills and unfolded laundry. This area should be used only for sleep and intimacy. Fayyaz also recommends limiting caffeine and electronics before bedtime, as both are stimulants.
“Maintain a regular bedtime and wake time,” Fayyaz said.
Exercising earlier in the day can and limiting napping can also promote better sleep.