Sleep Disorders Assessment

Sleep disorders can lead to daytime sleepiness, stress and impaired mental functioning. These disorders can impact your physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life.

Types of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders can be broadly classified into Respiratory Sleep disorders and Neuro/psychiatric disorders

Common Respiratory sleep disorders are Obstructive (OSA) and Central Sleep apneas (CSA).

Symptoms of Sleep apneas

• Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep.
• Unrefreshing sleep.
• Chronic fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Difficulty concentrating or irritability.
• Frequent headaches

Risk factors for Sleep apnea – Who have more chances of disease?

• Increasing Age
• Genetics -OSA can be inherited
• Obesity – High BMI can be a risk factor
• A thicker neck
• Enlarged Tonsils
• Men are twice more on risk than women
• Alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers intake
• Smokers are three times more likely to have OSA than the non smokers
• Nasal Congestions
• Endocrine disorders like Hypothyroidism or increased growth hormones

Reaching a diagnosis

1. Sleep History and Diary:

A detailed sleep history is to be obtained about the sleeping habits, sleep patterns, and duration of sleep. Maintaining a sleep diary can be very helpful.

History of taking risk factors is important in suspecting Sleep disorders

Various assessment questionnaires are used in assessing the risk of OSA such as Berlins questionnaire , Epworth’s sleepiness score and stop bang scores.

2. Clinical examination: – A thorough clinical examination can help in confirming risk factors  of OSA

1. Overnight Polysomnography (Sleep Study):
   • By applying electrodes over the body during sleeping various parameters are monitored which includes brain waves(EEG) , oxygen level, heart rate, and breathing ,snoring etc .
   • The Gold Standard for testing sleep disorders is Level 1 Sleep Study : It is an in-lab monitored sleep studying with maximum parameters recorded in test
   • Level 2, 3 ,4 sleep studies are also helpful depending upon appropriate patient selection.
2. Actigraphy:
   • Wearable device to track movement and sleep patterns.

When to See a Doctor

• Persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Severe daytime sleepiness affecting daily activities.
• Unrefreshing sleep.
• Loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep.
• Unusual behaviors or movements during sleep.

Prevention

• Practice good sleep hygiene.
• Manage stress and mental health.
• Seek early treatment for underlying health conditions.
• Avoid excessive screen time before bed.
• Regular exercise
• Weight management
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol or regular sedatives intake.