Common Questions

About sleep disorders

How many hours of sleep do I need?
The optimal amount of sleep per night is individual, though most persons will need between 7-8 hours. There are individuals whose sleep needs are less than that, and others whose needs are >8 hours. Children, and most adolescents need more than 8 hours, with the younger the child, the more sleep that is needed. If you find yourself needing to sleep in on weekends, or days off work or school, it may be that you are not getting enough sleep on other days.

How can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?
If you are getting the proper amount of sleep, but do not feel refreshed, or are sleepy during your waking times, a sleep disorder may be present.

Is snoring bad for you?
Mild snoring (can only be heard if right next to the person snoring) is generally not believed to be harmful. Loud snoring that is bothersome to a bed partner, or to others in the home, may be a sign that a disorder of breathing during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea, is present. If you snore, and are tired or sleepy during wake times, a sleep disorder may be present.

What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea refers to "stop breathing" events that occur during sleep, and that are typically not recognized by those having the events. Bed partners may be aware of periods during which their partner may appear to "not be breathing." Central sleep apnea refers to brief periods in which no respiratory effort is made, followed by return of respirations. Obstructive sleep apnea refers to periods during sleep in which the upper airway (throat area) collapses, partially, or completely, cutting off the flow of air into the lungs. During this time, loud snoring may stop, so that it appears the person is not breathing. However, increasing respiratory efforts are being made, until the apnea ends, and the airway opens. The apnea may last more than 30 seconds in some individuals.

What is insomnia?
Insomnia refers to a complaint of poor sleep, either due to difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep. Though most people have an occasional night that they have difficulty with their sleep, this can become a frequent experience for some persons. Anxiety, or depression contributes to insomnia in many cases. Poor sleep habits, or practices can cause, or perpetuate insomnia.

Does it matter if I get less sleep than is recommended?
For optimal waking functioning, obtaining the proper amount of good quality sleep is important. Individuals who do not get enough sleep develop a "sleep debt" that can accumulate, leading to progressively poorer functioning.

I recently was evaluated for a sleep problem and a sleep study was recommended. Is this necessary?
Though not every sleep disorder requires a sleep study for diagnosis, sleep studies, or polysomnograms, are often the only way to make a diagnosis with certainty. More limited studies, such as overnight oximetry, or limited channel polysomnograms, may not be able to determine adequately whether a sleep disorder is present. However, in the proper clinical setting, and when combined with adequate clinical history, limited studies can be used to make accurate diagnoses.

What is the best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?
Though the appropriate form of treatment in a given case must be individualized to the person being treated, it is generally agreed that for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment. In children, removal of tonsillar, and adenoidal tissue is often the preferred mode of treatment.

My bedpartner snores loudly. Is this normal?
Snoring is common, with an estimated 60% of middle-aged males, and 40% of middle-aged females who snore. However, loud snoring that is bothersome to others may be a sign that a sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea is present. Obstructive sleep apnea is common, affecting an estimated 20 million Americans.

I feel tired all the time. Do I have a sleep disorder?
Many people often use the terms tired, and sleepy interchangeably, and have trouble separating them. Tiredness generally refers to a run-down feeling, or lack of energy, which generally does not result in sleep, if given the opportunity. Sleepiness is often associated with feelings similar to tiredness, but results in sleep if an individual is given a chance to sleep. Taking a sleepiness questionnaire (i.e.. Epworth Sleepiness Scale) can help you determine if you are sleepy. If you are tired all the time, it may be worthwhile to be evaluated for a sleep disorder.

About a sleep study

Is a sleep study painful?
An all night sleep study is completely non-invasive and is not painful.  Prior to the study several monitoring sensors will be placed on your scalp, near your eyes, under your chin, at the base of your throat and on each leg to monitor brainwave and muscle activity.  Two sensors will be taped to your shoulders to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.  A small sensor will be place under your nose, very similar to a cannula used to deliver oxygen, and another sensor will be taped to your finger.  Two adjustable belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen to monitor your breathing as you sleep.

Although wearing all of these monitoring sensors during sleep sounds like it would be uncomfortable, most people find that the sensors do not bother them.  You will be able to move about in the bed, and can sleep on your back, either side or on you stomach, whatever you find most comfortable.

How do I prepare for my sleep study?
It is important that routines and behaviors of sleep be maintained as much as possible for the night of study in the laboratory. It is best to avoid sleep during the day of the night study, and though consuming some alcohol on the night of study is permitted (if that is a usual routine), an individual should never consume alcohol prior to coming to the lab if they will be driving. Caffeine and stimulant medications should also be avoided after noon on the day of study.

What should I bring with me the night of my sleep study?
You should bring comfortable clothes to sleep in, a well as any toilet articles and any clothing that you will need for the following morning.  Any medications that you take prior to bedtime or upon wakening in the morning should be brought with you; the sleep center staff will not be able to provide or obtain medications for you.  If you have a pillow that you find particularly comfortable and might help you sleep, please bring it with you.

What about sleeping medications?
If you normally take a sleep aid at home, bring your medication with you.  Medications are not kept in the lab, so the technician will not be able to provide you with any sleep aids.  Please inform the technician prior to the beginning of your study that you usually take a sleep aid at bedtime.  The technician will advise you when you should take your sleep aid, depending on the starting time of your study.

What should I wear for my sleep study?
You will be asked to wear pajamas or similar clothing during your sleep study.  Comfortable two-piece pajamas or clothing such as a t-shirt and running shorts usually work best.  Pajamas made from satin, silk or “slippery” fabrics are not the best choice for your sleep study as the fabric may interfere with the functioning of some of the monitoring sensors.

Can someone stay with me during my sleep study?
In some limited circumstances, someone may be allowed to stay with you during your sleep study.  This determination will be made by the physician or practitioner ordering your sleep study and must be arranged in advance, at the time your sleep study is scheduled.  If the technicians at the Sleep Center do not have prior authorization for someone to stay with you during your study, no one will be allowed to stay.  Under no circumstances will another person be allowed to sleep in the bed with you, as this can adversely affect the results of your sleep study.

I usually sleep with my pet; may I bring him with me?
We are not able to accommodate your pet during your sleep study.  Having a bed partner during your sleep study (either your pet or another person) can interrupt your sleep and make it more difficult to fall asleep – especially in strange surroundings.  Movements and noises that a bed partner may make can interfere with the results of your study.