Doctors Answers (5)
Please see a sleep specialist. Despite minimal findings (low AHI or RDI) of the daytime symptoms are significant like yours, I usually recommend a therapy. It would also be very worthwhile for you to be checked for nasal obstruction. An ENT would be a great first step.
If you had a sleep study at a lab you should discuss the results with your primary doctor or a sleep specialist. They are the ones who should go over the study interpretation NOT THE TECHNICIAN. That's not their role! If you haven't seen a specialist and you are convinced you have a problem with sleep disordered breathing then get a referral to sleep specialist and discuss the problem with them. if you can get a copy of your sleep study interpretation then that would be helpful as well.
In general, yes, a sleep evaluation (not necessarily done in a sleep laboratory) is essential to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. At present, overnight sleep testing can be obtained in traditional laboratory environments, or through home sleep testing services. The results of such testing are needed to determine if sleep apnea is present, and how severe it is. A treatment plan that may involve a CPAP titration night (a second test night during which CPAP is tried) may lead to the prescription for the use of CPAP at home. It is not clear from your description, but it sounds like you may have completed the diagnostic night of testing, and that your doctor wants you to complete a second night for CPAP titration before she makes a final recommendation. Yes... The diagnostic and treatment work-up are essential for a doctor to prescribe CPAP treatment. If your sleep doctor determines that CPAP is not the ideal treatment for you don't lose heart. There are many other treatments available to you. You already are on the right track, given that you do not drink, smoke, or use drugs, and that you exercise. This will no doubt be to your benefit as you follow your doctor's recommendations for treating sleep apnea.
In general, yes, a sleep study is required to diagnose sleep apnea. The studies done in a sleep lab are more reliable than those done unattended at home. A common symptom of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue and sleepiness which you certainly have. Memory failure and night time urination are also commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Being overweight aggravates many medical disorders but is not a requirement for sleep apnea. Half the patients we see with sleep apnea are like you, of normal weight. The problem lies in the anatomy of the throat which often runs in the family. It is not the sleep technician?s job to decide or tell you if you should or should not use a CPAP. Even patients with a mild case of sleep apnea often do exceedingly well with CPAP. You should report what the technician did to your doctor or even call the lab director. Yes, a doctor needs to order CPAP for you. As stated above, snoring and a mild degree of apnea can cause all the symptoms you have and CPAP therapy is your best choice. There are other treatments such as avoiding sleeping on your back and dental devices which help somewhat for some patients.
Yes, the CPAP machine requires a prescription from a Physician. The compliance of use should also be monitored by a Physician or assistant of the Sleep Specialist.
