Getting restful sleep every night is a challenge for many. With millions of people suffering from poor sleep habits, it is unsurprising that many people view restless nights as usual. A few nights of tossing and turning is typical and could be because of temporary stress or a change of routine. However, when someone fails to fall or stay asleep for a long time, it indicates the need to visit a sleep clinic.
Trouble falling or staying asleep, gasping for air during sleep, or loud snoring can be equally distressing for you and your partner. Understanding what a sleep clinic is, what it offers, and how it can solve your problem can help you decide your next steps towards recovery.
Diagnosing the Cause: What Happens at Sleep Disorder Treatment Centers
The first thing that happens at most sleep clinics is a diagnostic assessment to determine the exact cause of your sleep disruption. For this purpose, a sleep expert may use one or more of the following tests:
Polysomnogram (PSG)
Polysomnogram is one of the most common tests performed at a sleep clinic. It involves attaching sensors and electrodes to the body to measure and record the vital functions overnight. The test also considers your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, eye movements, and brain activity. A polysomnogram is a critical testing tool to rule out most sleeping disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)
Contrary to most sleep tests, an MSLT takes place during the daytime. As a part of this program, a patient takes five naps of 20 minutes each, 2 hours apart from each other. During these naps, a technician monitors eye movements and brain activity to measure how sleepy someone gets, how quickly they enter into REM sleep, and to check the response of a particular sleep disorder treatment.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)
Similar to MSLT, an MWT is usually scheduled after a polysomnogram. It monitors your alertness and your ability to stay awake during the day. For this purpose, the test considers the extent of their daytime sleepiness. Experts also use MWT to check a person's suitability for a job with long-hour shifts, such as truck driving.
CPAP Titration
Using a CPAP machine is essential if an expert confirms sleep apnea during a polysomnogram. For this purpose, another overnight sleep study is indicated to determine the proper air pressure for the CPAP machine that enables you to sleep comfortably through the night.
Behavioral Techniques Used in a Luxury Sleep Disorder Treatment Program
In addition to using medically-approved interventions, some sleep disorder clinics and rehabs offer complementary support from behavioral therapies. Depending on your specific needs and symptoms, an insomnia specialist at the best sleep disorder clinic may employ the following techniques for recovery:
Sleep restriction therapy (SRT)
This therapy aims to reduce the time people spend in bed waiting for sleep by eliminating daytime naps and forcing them to stay up beyond their usual bedtime. The consequent sleep deprivation is particularly effective for people with insomnia as it supports a restful slumber and establishes stronger associations between bed and sleep.
Stimulus control therapy
This therapy helps identify and alter sleep habits that prevent restful sleep. It often involves training patients to use the bedroom for sleep instead of other activities, such as watching TV or working. The therapy also encourages clients to maintain a constant sleep-wake routine, even on the weekends.
Sleep hygiene improvement
As a part of this program, experts teach clients how to form an ideal environment for peaceful sleep. These educational sessions discuss the importance of crucial modifications in the bedroom, such as keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Additionally, clients are educated about sleep-altering habits, for example, consuming caffeine late in the day.
Paradoxical Intention
This involves letting go of the constant worry about sleeping on time and intentionally remaining awake for a paradoxical effect of achieving restful sleep.
Relaxation training
Relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation, help clients unwind at night. As the tension releases from the body, the anxiety levels drop, preparing the body for sleep.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses sensors to measure certain physiological functions, such as breathing, muscle tension, and heart rate. The therapy teaches clients to identify and control anxiety responses that may negatively impact sleep.
Hypnosis
Some sleep therapists use hypnosis to change unhelpful habits and negative thought patterns to promote restful sleep.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sleep clinic and a sleep disorder rehab program?
A sleep clinic or sleep center is a medical space where experts perform sleep
testing, followed by outpatient medical treatment. On the other hand, a rehab program includes an in-depth program focusing on recovery through various behavioral and holistic sleep disorders therapies, such as CBT and medical treatment.
How can I pick the best sleep disorder clinic for myself?
When choosing a sleep clinic for yourself, there are a few factors to consider. First, you may wish to look for a sleep center that your insurance covers, even if it is a partial cover. Finding such centers is pretty straightforward as most insurance companies have a search tab on their website that allows you to find the ones they cover in your area. Alternatively, you can directly call your insurance company to get information. Another thing to look for in a sleep clinic is whether or not it fits your need.
If you wish to get most of the testing done at your accommodation, select a clinic that offers portable testing. Sometimes, you may need a referral from your doctor before you can undertake a sleep study. A doctor can also provide you with a recommendation or refer you to a specific clinic. If you wish to make the final call on your own, consider searching for all the clinics in your area through a local database.
When should I consider getting in touch with a sleep therapist?
A sleep disruption does not always indicate a sleep disorder. Sometimes, these disruptions occur because of a specific diet, lifestyle changes, weather conditions, or any additional factors that usually last for a brief while. However, if you think that you are unable to sleep despite maintaining healthy habits and good sleep hygiene, consider talking to a sleep therapist. More notably, consider visiting an expert if you experience the following symptoms:
- Headaches, shortly after you wake up
- Loud snoring during the night
- Waking up in the middle of the night, gasping for air
- Frequently waking up during the night
- An inability to focus on any tasks during the day
- Extremely sleepiness during the day
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
The symptoms mentioned above may indicate an underlying sleep disorder that requires help from a professional sleep clinic.