While many people prioritize diet and exercise for a healthy lifestyle, they often neglect the importance of adequate sleep. Proper sleep is essential to restore and repair nearly every system in the human body, including the heart, brain, liver, and immune system. The recommended sleep duration for healthy adults is 7 to 9 hours. Consistently sleeping less or more than this range can lead to sleep disorders. In fact, 20% of the American population suffers from chronic sleep disorders.
To address these issues, sleep clinics play a significant role by diagnosing individuals and providing tailored treatments for conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy. Below, we will explore how sleep clinics diagnose and treat sleep disorders.
Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders
To diagnose sleep disorders, patients should consult a sleep specialist (who works in a sleep clinic). The specialist recommends some tests when patients experience excessive sleep or difficulty in sleep. Sleep specialists may suggest the following tests according to the patient’s condition.
Polysomnography – Polysomnography or a sleep study records brain activity (EEG), heart rate, oxygen levels in the blood, and breathing during sleep. They also measure the movement of the eyes and legs. A sleep study is done at sleep clinics. Patients are provided with a comfortable place for sleeping and sleep there for 6 to 8 hours. While they sleep, lab technicians monitor the patient from a nearby room for the entire sleeping duration and collect sleep data. Based on the data, they find out the cause of the sleeping disruption and recommend treatment accordingly.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) – The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) measures daytime sleepiness. During the test, patients are placed in a dark room and take naps 4-5 times every two hours. During this test, they measure sleep latency (which measures how quickly a person falls asleep). Based on this, a sleep specialists diagnoses narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) – MWT measures day time alertness. During the test, patients are asked to sit in a chair in a dim light room, instructed to look straight ahead and stay awake. The study generally involves four trials and is separated by a two hours break. Each trial lasts 40 minutes. Based on these sleep data, sleep specialist diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
Home Sleep Apnea Test – Home sleep apnea test is a convenient and cost-effective, portable diagnostic tool used to detect obstructive sleep apnea in adults while they sleep in their own beds. The device measures heartbeat, oxygen level, and airflow. After the test, the information is sent to sleep clinics for review.
Treatment Options Offered by Sleep Clinics
Treatment depends on the type of sleep disorder people have and how much their symptoms affect their daily life. Treatment options may include
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT) – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy teaches patients to look for and change beliefs that affect their ability to sleep. This type of therapy can help patients to get rid of negative thoughts and worries that keep them awake. The CBT helps patients have good sleep and avoid behaviors that keep patients from sleeping well.
Lifestyle Choices – To avoid sleep disorders, sleep specialists are suggested to lead a healthy lifestyle. People can lose weight if needed, good sleep habits, and exercise regularly. Cutting caffeine and alcohol also promotes good sleep.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) -Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common non-invasive therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing issues. In sleep clinics, patients are provided with a machine that delivers steady, pressurized room air through a mask to keep the airways open during sleep. By preventing airway collapse, snoring, and breathing pauses. This therapy improves sleep quality and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Conclusion
Sleep plays a vital role in keeping people healthy. People should follow the minimum sleeping hours consistently. In case people feel any sudden changes or feel any discomfort in their sleep cycle, they should consult a sleep specialist. Experts in ThreeBestRated® state that “ sleep disorders prevent you from getting the restful, deep sleep you need to function at your best. If you’re struggling with your sleep, don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider”.
