Sleep Apnea Syndrome Quiz

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Headaches worsen in the morning

Tired all the time

Restless sleep

Easily tired

Snoring

Gained weight

Inability to sleep

Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!

What is Sleep Apnea Syndrome?

Sleep Apnea Syndrome is a group of sleep disorders marked by repeated pauses or reductions in breathing during sleep. It may result from airway obstruction, disrupted brain signaling, or both. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, unrefreshing sleep, and excessive daytime fatigue. Morning headaches and concentration issues are also frequent. Untreated, it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and kidney problems. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing long-term health risks. Sleep apnea and narcolepsy can share overlapping symptoms, particularly excessive daytime sleepiness. While their causes differ, they may occur together. Addressing sleep apnea is important in narcolepsy care, as untreated apnea can worsen daytime symptoms and reduce narcolepsy treatment effectiveness.

Typical Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Diagnostic Questions for Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:

  • Have you been told that your breathing stops briefly during sleep?
  • Do your headaches get worse in the morning?
  • Do you experience fatigue or low energy that is worse in the morning?
  • Do you feel your chin is small?
  • Do you have trouble sleeping deeply?

Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Treatment varies based on the type and severity of sleep apnea syndrome. In mild cases, treatment consists of lifestyle changes like weight loss, smoking cessation or nighttime use of a mouthpiece to keep the airway open. In more severe cases, it may require medications, surgery and a machine (CPAP machine) to keep the airway open while sleeping.

Reviewed By:

Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc

Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)

Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.

Rohini R, MD

Rohini R, MD (Otolaryngology (ENT))

Dr. Rohini R is an ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, with a Fellowship in Advanced Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery and a Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine and Lasers. Besides clinical practice and working with Ubie, she is actively training and mentoring medical students and residents. She has functioned in various work settings - teaching hospitals, private and free health centers, and worked with patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds due to her experience in free hospitals and volunteering in India and Singapore.

From our team of 50+ doctors

Content updated on Aug 5, 2025

Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy

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With a free 3-min Sleep Apnea Syndrome quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.

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  • History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.

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Symptoms Related to Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Diseases Related to Sleep Apnea Syndrome

FAQs

Q.

Are long-term sleeping pills safe for seniors?

A.

Long-term use of sleeping pills in seniors can be risky, leading to problems like falls, confusion, and dependency. It’s important for seniors to talk with their doctors about safer alternatives.

References:

Schroeck JL, Ford J, Conway EL, Kurtzhalts KE, Gee ME, Vollmer KA, & Mergenhagen KA. (2016). Review of Safety and Efficacy of Sleep Medicines in Older .... Clinical therapeutics, 27751669.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27751669/

Ancoli-Israel S, Richardson GS, Mangano RM, Jenkins L, Hall P, & Jones WS. (2005). Long-term use of sedative hypnotics in older patients with .... Sleep medicine, 15716214.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15716214/

Madhusoodanan S, & Bogunovic OJ. (2004). Safety of benzodiazepines in the geriatric population. Expert opinion on drug safety, 15335303.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15335303/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Can a primary care physician diagnose and treat common sleep disorders?

A.

Yes, primary care physicians can diagnose and treat common sleep disorders like insomnia by using various strategies and tools.

References:

Ng L, & Cunnington D. (2021). Management of insomnia in primary care. Australian prescriber, 34421177.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34421177/

Rosenberg RP, Benca R, Doghramji P, & Roth T. (2023). A 2023 Update on Managing Insomnia in Primary Care. The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 36705978.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36705978/

Yamamoto M, Lim CT, Huang H, Spottswood M, & Huang H. (2023). Insomnia in primary care: Considerations for screening, .... The journal of medicine access, 36938324.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36938324/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Can biomarkers help assess sleep apnea severity?

A.

Yes, biomarkers can help in assessing the severity of sleep apnea by indicating inflammation and oxidative stress levels.

References:

Montesi SB, Bajwa EK, & Malhotra A. (2012). Biomarkers of sleep apnea. Chest, 22796846.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22796846/

Bouloukaki I, Mermigkis C, Tzanakis N, Kallergis E, Moniaki V, Mauroudi E, & Schiza SE. (2017). Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers in a Large Sample .... Mediators of inflammation, 28831208.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28831208/

Guo Q, Wang Y, Li QY, Li M, & Wan HY. (2013). Levels of thioredoxin are related to the severity .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 22437910.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22437910/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Can diet and exercise habits affect sleep quality in older age?

A.

Yes, diet and exercise can affect sleep quality in older adults by improving how well they sleep.

References:

Fank F, Pereira FDS, Dos Santos L, de Mello MT, & Mazo GZ. (2022). Effects of Exercise on Sleep in Older Adults: An Overview .... Journal of aging and physical activity, 35385825.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35385825/

Vanderlinden J, Boen F, & van Uffelen JGZ. (2020). Effects of physical activity programs on sleep outcomes in .... The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 32024532.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32024532/

Papadopoulou SK, Mantzorou M, Voulgaridou G, Pavlidou E, Vadikolias K, Antasouras G, et al. (2023). A Cross-Sectional Study in an Elderly Greek Population. Nutrients, 36678316.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36678316/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Can I use a home sleep apnea test for diagnosis?

A.

Home sleep apnea tests can be used for diagnosing sleep apnea, but they may not be as accurate as tests done in a sleep lab.

References:

Zancanella E, do Prado LF, de Carvalho LB, Machado Júnior AJ, Crespo AN, & do Prado GF. (2022). Home sleep apnea testing: an accuracy study. Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 33837916.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33837916/

Ghegan MD, Angelos PC, Stonebraker AC, & Gillespie MB. (2006). Laboratory versus portable sleep studies: a meta-analysis. The Laryngoscope, 16735890.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16735890/

Abrahamyan L, Sahakyan Y, Chung S, Pechlivanoglou P, Bielecki J, Carcone SM, et al. (2018). Diagnostic accuracy of level IV portable sleep monitors .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 29318566.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29318566/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

Can prescription medications cause sleep problems in seniors?

A.

Yes, some prescription medications can cause sleep problems in seniors, potentially leading to the need for sleep medications.

References:

Leggett A, Pepin R, Sonnega A, & Assari S. (2016). Predictors of New Onset Sleep Medication and Treatment .... The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 26755681.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26755681/

Guilleminault C, & Silvestri R. (1982). Aging, drugs and sleep. Neurobiology of aging, 7170054.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7170054/

Musich S, Wang SS, Slindee LB, Saphire L, & Wicker E. (2018). Characteristics of New-Onset and Chronic Sleep .... Drugs & aging, 29651640.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29651640/

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Q.

How does anxiety or racing thoughts disrupt sleep in older adults?

A.

Anxiety and racing thoughts can make it hard for older adults to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to insomnia.

References:

Brenes GA, Miller ME, Stanley MA, Williamson JD, Knudson M, & McCall WV. (2009). Insomnia in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry : official journal of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 19472436.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19472436/

Potvin O, Lorrain D, Belleville G, Grenier S, & Préville M. (2014). Subjective sleep characteristics associated with anxiety .... International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 24733621.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24733621/

Leblanc MF, Desjardins S, & Desgagné A. (2015). Sleep problems in anxious and depressive older adults. Psychology research and behavior management, 26089709.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26089709/

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Q.

How does Obstructive Sleep Apnea affect cardiovascular health and metabolism?

A.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can harm the heart and affect how the body uses energy, increasing risks for heart problems and metabolic issues like diabetes.

References:

Gaspar LS, Pyakurel S, Xu N, D'Souza SP, & Koritala BSC. (2025). Circadian biology in obstructive sleep apnea associated .... Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology, 40107345.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40107345/

Ip MS, Lam B, Ng MM, Lam WK, Tsang KW, & Lam KS. (2002). Obstructive sleep apnea is independently associated with .... American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine, 11874812.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11874812/

Martins FO, & Conde SV. (2021). Gender Differences in the Context of Obstructive Sleep .... Frontiers in physiology, 34970158.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34970158/

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Q.

How does sleep change as you get older?

A.

As you get older, sleep patterns change, often leading to lighter and shorter sleep with more awakenings during the night.

References:

Li J, Vitiello MV, & Gooneratne NS. (2018). Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep medicine clinics, 29412976.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29412976/

Gulia KK, & Kumar VM. (2018). Sleep disorders in the elderly: a growing challenge. Psychogeriatrics : the official journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society, 29878472.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29878472/

Li J, Vitiello MV, & Gooneratne NS. (2022). Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep medicine clinics, 35659071.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35659071/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

How is narcolepsy diagnosed and what are its treatments?

A.

Narcolepsy is diagnosed using sleep studies and treated with medications and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms.

References:

Bassetti CLA, Kallweit U, Vignatelli L, Plazzi G, Lecendreux M, Baldin E, et al. (2021). European guideline and expert statements on the .... Journal of sleep research, 34173288.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34173288/

Peacock J, & Benca RM. (2010). Narcolepsy: clinical features, co-morbidities & treatment. The Indian journal of medical research, 20308759.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20308759/

Fronczek R, van der Zande WL, van Dijk JG, Overeem S, & Lammers GJ. (2007). [Narcolepsy: a new perspective on diagnosis and treatment]. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde, 17472116.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17472116/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

How much sleep do older adults really need?

A.

Older adults generally need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy and feel rested.

References:

Li J, Vitiello MV, & Gooneratne NS. (2018). Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep medicine clinics, 29412976.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29412976/

Hirshkowitz M, Whiton K, Albert SM, Alessi C, Bruni O, DonCarlos L, et al. (2015). National Sleep Foundation's sleep time duration .... Sleep health, 29073412.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073412/

Chaput JP, Dutil C, Featherstone R, Ross R, Giangregorio L, Saunders TJ, et al. (2020). Sleep duration and health in adults: an overview .... Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme, 33054337.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33054337/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

How serious are the health risks of untreated OSA?

A.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to serious health problems, including heart issues and other complications.

References:

Kendzerska T, Mollayeva T, Gershon AS, Leung RS, Hawker G, & Tomlinson G. (2014). Untreated obstructive sleep apnea and the risk for serious .... Sleep medicine reviews, 23642349.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23642349/

Henning RJ, & Anderson WM. (2025). Sleep apnea is a common and dangerous cardiovascular .... Current problems in cardiology, 39242062.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39242062/

Morsy NE, Farrag NS, Zaki NFW, Badawy AY, Abdelhafez SA, El-Gilany AH, et al. (2019). Obstructive sleep apnea: personal, societal, public health, .... Reviews on environmental health, 31085749.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31085749/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the alternative treatments for sleep apnea if CPAP fails?

A.

If CPAP isn't working for sleep apnea, alternatives include oral appliances, positional therapy, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Each option has different benefits and may suit different people.

References:

Verbraecken J, Dieltjens M, Op de Beeck S, Vroegop A, Braem M, Vanderveken O, & Randerath W. (2022). Non-CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Breathe (Sheffield, England), 36340820.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36340820/

Abid R, Zhang L, & Bhat A. (2024). Non-CPAP Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults. Missouri medicine, 39421466.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39421466/

Lorenzi-Filho G, Almeida FR, & Strollo PJ. (2017). Treating OSA: Current and emerging therapies beyond CPAP. Respirology (Carlton, Vic.), 28901030.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28901030/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the common types of sleep disorders in adults?

A.

Common sleep disorders in adults include insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. These conditions can affect sleep quality and overall health.

References:

Holder S, & Narula NS. (2022). Common Sleep Disorders in Adults: Diagnosis and .... American family physician, 35426627.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35426627/

Chokroverty S. (2010). Overview of sleep & sleep disorders. The Indian journal of medical research, 20308738.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20308738/

Wickwire EM, & Collop NA. (2010). Insomnia and sleep-related breathing disorders. Chest, 20525657.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20525657/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the health consequences of chronically disturbed sleep?

A.

Chronically disturbed sleep can lead to several health problems, including increased risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and weakened immune function.

References:

Zheng NS, Annis J, Master H, Han L, Gleichauf K, Ching JH, et al. (2024). Sleep patterns and risk of chronic disease as measured by .... Nature medicine, 39030265.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39030265/

Mullington JM, Cunningham TJ, Haack M, & Yang H. (2021). Causes and Consequences of Chronic Sleep Deficiency .... Frontiers of neurology and neuroscience, 34052807.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34052807/

Irwin MR. (2015). Why sleep is important for health. Annual review of psychology, 25061767.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061767/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the main symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

A.

The main symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, frequent awakenings during the night, and feeling very sleepy during the day.

References:

Stansbury RC, & Strollo PJ. (2015). Clinical manifestations of sleep apnea. Journal of thoracic disease, 26543619.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26543619/

Prisant LM, Dillard TA, & Blanchard AR. (2006). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.), 17028491.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17028491/

Mannarino MR, Di Filippo F, & Pirro M. (2012). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. European journal of internal medicine, 22939801.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22939801/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder?

A.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) involves acting out dreams during sleep, often with vocal sounds and sudden movements. People may experience vivid dreams and can sometimes hurt themselves or others while sleeping.

References:

Matar E, & Lewis SJ. (2017). REM sleep behaviour disorder: not just a bad dream. The Medical journal of Australia, 28899330.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28899330/

Barone DA, & Henchcliffe C. (2018). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and the link .... Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 29883833.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29883833/

Olson EJ, Boeve BF, & Silber MH. (2000). Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. Brain : a journal of neurology, 10648440.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10648440/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What are the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome in older adults?

A.

Restless Legs Syndrome in older adults causes uncomfortable feelings in the legs, often described as tingling, crawling, or itching, which are relieved by moving the legs.

References:

Milligan SA, & Chesson AL. (2002). Restless legs syndrome in the older adult: diagnosis and .... Drugs & aging, 12390051.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12390051/

Spiegelhalder K, & Hornyak M. (2008). Restless legs syndrome in older adults. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 18035239.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18035239/

Biselx S, Büla C, & Ghika J. (2008). [Restless legs syndrome in the elderly: an unrecognized .... Revue medicale suisse, 19051624.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19051624/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What health conditions make sleeping difficult for older people?

A.

Older adults often have trouble sleeping due to conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and other chronic health issues.

References:

Jaqua EE, Hanna M, Labib W, Moore C, & Matossian V. (2023). Common Sleep Disorders Affecting Older Adults. The Permanente journal, 36503403.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36503403/

Garcia AD. (2008). The effect of chronic disorders on sleep in the elderly. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 18035229.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18035229/

Crowley K. (2011). Sleep and sleep disorders in older adults. Neuropsychology review, 21225347.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21225347/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What is CPAP therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A.

CPAP therapy is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that uses a machine to help keep your airways open while you sleep.

References:

Patel SR, White DP, Malhotra A, Stanchina ML, & Ayas NT. (2003). Continuous positive airway pressure therapy for treating .... Archives of internal medicine, 12622603.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12622603/

Hooper RG. (2020). CPAP Therapeutic Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Pragmatic and observational research, 32765155.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32765155/

Hirshkowitz M, & Sharafkhaneh A. (2005). Positive airway pressure therapy of OSA. Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine, 16052419.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16052419/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What is Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder?

A.

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder is when a person’s sleep schedule is shifted later than normal, making it hard to fall asleep and wake up at conventional times.

References:

Magee M, Marbas EM, Wright KP Jr, Rajaratnam SM, & Broussard JL. (2016). Diagnosis, Cause, and Treatment Approaches for Delayed .... Sleep medicine clinics, 27542884.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27542884/

Nesbitt AD. (2018). Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder. Journal of thoracic disease, 29445534.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29445534/

Narala B, Ahsan M, Ednick M, & Kier C. (2024). Delayed sleep wake phase disorder in adolescents. Current opinion in pediatrics, 38054481.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38054481/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What is personalized medicine in sleep apnea treatment?

A.

Personalized medicine in sleep apnea treatment means creating a plan that fits each person's unique needs, using their specific symptoms and characteristics.

References:

Turnbull CD, & Stradling JR. (2023). Endotyping, phenotyping and personalised therapy in .... Thorax, 37217289.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37217289/

Carberry JC, Amatoury J, & Eckert DJ. (2018). Personalized Management Approach for OSA. Chest, 28629917.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28629917/

Duong-Quy S, Nguyen-Huu H, Hoang-Chau-Bao D, Tran-Duc S, Nguyen-Thi-Hong L, Nguyen-Duy T, et al. (2022). Personalized Medicine and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Journal of personalized medicine, 36556255.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36556255/

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Q.

What is positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A.

Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a type of sleep apnea that occurs when a person is lying on their back, causing breathing problems during sleep.

References:

Omobomi O, & Quan SF. (2018). Positional therapy in the management of .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 28852945.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28852945/

Lee SA, Paek JH, Chung YS, & Kim WS. (2017). Clinical features in patients with positional obstructive .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 27406180.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27406180/

Landry SA, Beatty C, Thomson LDJ, Wong AM, Edwards BA, Hamilton GS, & Joosten SA. (2023). A review of supine position related obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep medicine reviews, 37722317.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37722317/

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Q.

What is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia?

A.

The first-line treatment for chronic insomnia is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). It is preferred over medication because it is effective and has lasting benefits.

References:

Riemann D, Espie CA, Altena E, Arnardottir ES, Baglioni C, Bassetti CLA, et al. (2023). An update on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia 2023. Journal of sleep research, 38016484.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38016484/

Trauer JM, Qian MY, Doyle JS, Rajaratnam SM, & Cunnington D. (2015). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia. Annals of internal medicine, 26054060.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26054060/

Riemann D, Baglioni C, Bassetti C, Bjorvatn B, Dolenc Groselj L, Ellis JG, et al. (2017). European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment .... Journal of sleep research, 28875581.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28875581/

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Q.

What is the gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea?

A.

The gold standard test for diagnosing sleep apnea is polysomnography, which is typically conducted in a sleep laboratory.

References:

Rundo JV, & Downey R 3rd. (2019). Polysomnography. Handbook of clinical neurology, 31277862.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31277862/

Hung CJ, Kang BH, Lin YS, & Su HH. (2022). Comparison of a home sleep test with in-laboratory .... Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA, 35507020.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35507020/

Abrahamyan L, Sahakyan Y, Chung S, Pechlivanoglou P, Bielecki J, Carcone SM, et al. (2018). Diagnostic accuracy of level IV portable sleep monitors .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 29318566.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29318566/

See more on Doctor's Note

Q.

What lifestyle changes can help manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

A.

Losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising can help manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

References:

Carneiro-Barrera A, Díaz-Román A, Guillén-Riquelme A, & Buela-Casal G. (2019). Weight loss and lifestyle interventions for obstructive sleep .... Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 30609450.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30609450/

Bouloukaki I, Daskalaki E, Mavroudi E, Moniaki V, Schiza SE, & Tsiligianni I. (2023). A Dietary and Lifestyle Intervention Improves Treatment .... Life (Basel, Switzerland), 37629612.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37629612/

Edwards BA, Bristow C, O'Driscoll DM, Wong AM, Ghazi L, Davidson ZE, et al. (2019). Assessing the impact of diet, exercise and the combination .... Respirology (Carlton, Vic.), 31116901.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31116901/

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Q.

What natural remedies and lifestyle changes can improve sleep for older adults?

A.

Older adults can improve their sleep by using natural remedies like chamomile and tart cherry juice, along with lifestyle changes.

References:

Adib-Hajbaghery M, & Mousavi SN. (2017). The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among .... Complementary therapies in medicine, 29154054.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29154054/

Yeom JW, & Cho CH. (2024). Herbal and Natural Supplements for Improving Sleep. Psychiatry investigation, 39086164.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39086164/

Pigeon WR, Carr M, Gorman C, & Perlis ML. (2010). Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older .... Journal of medicinal food, 20438325.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20438325/

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Q.

What non-pharmacologic treatments are effective for Restless Legs Syndrome?

A.

Restless Legs Syndrome can be managed with non-drug methods like regular exercise, leg massages, and maintaining good sleep habits.

References:

Harrison EG, Keating JL, & Morgan PE. (2019). Non-pharmacological interventions for restless legs .... Disability and rehabilitation, 29561180.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29561180/

Mitchell UH. (2011). Nondrug-related aspect of treating Ekbom disease .... Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 21654870.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21654870/

Gossard TR, Trotti LM, Videnovic A, & St Louis EK. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome: Contemporary Diagnosis and .... Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 33880737.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33880737/

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Q.

When should an older person consult a doctor about sleep problems?

A.

Older adults should see a doctor if they have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or if they feel very tired during the day.

References:

Abad VC, & Guilleminault C. (2018). Insomnia in Elderly Patients: Recommendations for .... Drugs & aging, 30058034.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30058034/

Alonso CA, & Estebaranz AI. (2006). [Sleeping difficulties among the elderly]. Revista de enfermeria (Barcelona, Spain), 16613084.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16613084

Osorio RS, Martínez-García MÁ, & Rapoport DM. (2022). Sleep apnoea in the elderly: a great challenge for the future. The European respiratory journal, 34561285.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34561285/

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Q.

Why is cognitive behavior therapy the preferred treatment for insomnia?

A.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is preferred because it is effective in treating insomnia without the side effects of medications.

References:

van Straten A, van der Zweerde T, Kleiboer A, Cuijpers P, Morin CM, & Lancee J. (2018). Cognitive and behavioral therapies in the treatment .... Sleep medicine reviews, 28392168.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28392168/

Stepanski EJ. (2005). Hypnotics should not be considered for the initial treatment .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 17561624.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17561624/

Rossman J. (2019). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: An Effective .... American journal of lifestyle medicine, 31662718.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31662718/

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Q.

What specialists treat obstructive sleep apnea?

A.

If you are concerned you have obstructive sleep apnea, you should conduct your primary care provider first for evaluation. If it is sleep apnea, a sleep medicine specialist will evaluate with a sleep study.

References:

Slowik JM, Sankari A, Collen JF. Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 2024 Mar 21. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan 2013. PMID: 29083619.

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References