Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can be treated using a CPAP or BiPAP machine.  A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device to provide positive flow of air into the nasal passages so the patient’s airway stays open during sleep.  These devices come in a number of different types of facial masks.  These masks are connected to a machine that can sit on a patient’s nightstand.
A BI-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) is a device to help patients get more air into their lungs.

Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a diagnostic daytime test to diagnose narcolepsy.  This test is also used to measure the degree of daytime sleepiness in a person.  A MSLT is performed in the morning to ensure accurate results.  This test has the patient take a number of naps during the testing period to measure brain waves, heart rate, muscle tone, and eye movement. 

A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test is use to measure how awake a person during the day.  It is used to evaluate a person’s ability to stay alert and awake during quiet periods of time.

Treatments
At Rest Assured Sleep Centers our team of dedicated sleep specialist is committed to helping you find the treatment option that works best for you. As with any medical condition, the decision to choose one option over another is highly personalized and should be discussed in-depth with your doctor.

INSOMNIA
There are pharmacological and behavioral treatments for insomnia and these two approaches are often combined. For acute or chronic insomnia, the physician will determine if there is an underlying problem and treat this condition first. When appropriate, insomnia may also be treated along with the medical or psychiatric condition.

Behavioral treatments include:

• Stimulus control – a person with insomnia symptoms learns to make positive, strong associations between sleep, and the bed and bedroom. The bed and sleeping environment become a cue or stimulus for sleep and are used only for sleeping or sex. With this type of treatment, people with insomnia go to bed only when sleeping. If they wake during the night or too early in the morning, they should get out of bed, go to another room and engage in relaxing activity such as reading until they become sleepy again; they should then return to bed.
  
  
• Sleep restriction – entails following a schedule that restricts or limits the time in bed, which, in turn, increases the need for sleep. Patients are provided with a schedule that adjusts their sleep in small increments over time. When they are actually in bed, they are sleeping most of the time, rather than tossing and turning and trying to sleep.
  
  
• Cognitive behavioral therapy – patients learn to change their attitudes and develop more positive beliefs about sleep, overcoming stressing thoughts and behaviors that keep them awake.
  
  
• Relaxation training – techniques for the body and mind that include progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, guided imagery and biofeedback.

Pharmacological treatments for insomnia include over the counter (OTC) medications and prescription “hypnotics.” OTCs are usually antihistamines and have ingredients that may leave a person feeling groggy and less alert in the morning. They stay in the body longer and side effects may include headaches, nausea, reduced reaction times and dizziness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many sleep promoting medications, called “hypnotics.” These non-benzodiazepine sleep medications are effective with fewer side effects than older sleeping pills. They are usually prescribed for short periods of time; however, new medications are becoming available that research shows can be used for longer time periods.

Tips for people who have symptoms of insomnia include:

• Avoid napping during the day.
• Go to bed when sleepy to facilitate falling asleep quickly.
• Get out of bed at the same time each morning.

Don’t lie in bed, twisting and turning. If you can’t fall asleep, get out of bed and go to another room. Keep the lights low, and engage in relaxing activity. Return to bed when you are sleepy.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Medications such as dopaminergic agents that increase dopamine in the body are often used for RLS. Lifestyle changes can be tried before, or in conjunction with, medications. Alcohol, nicotine and caffeine can worsen symptoms. A healthy balanced diet that includes recommended amounts of iron and vitamins, regular exercise, and relaxation exercises can help manage RLS symptoms.