Sleep Disorders Program McLean VA

What can you do if you suspect you have Sleep Disorder?

If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, it’s essential to take steps to address it for the sake of your overall health and well-being. Here are some actions you can take:

Consult with a sleep specialist: Start by scheduling an appointment with a sleep specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns to determine if you have a sleep disorder and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Keep a sleep diary: Keep track of your sleep habits, including bedtime, wake time, quality of sleep, and any factors that may affect your sleep, such as caffeine consumption or stress. This information can help your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential triggers for your sleep disorder.

Undergo a sleep study: In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study, also known as polysomnography, to monitor your sleep patterns and identify any underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.

Make lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy sleep habits, also known as sleep hygiene, can improve your sleep quality. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Consider therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured program that helps address the underlying thoughts and behaviors contributing to insomnia. It can be highly effective for improving sleep quality and duration.

Explore medication options: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage sleep disorders, such as insomnia or restless legs syndrome. However, medication should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Treat underlying health conditions: Addressing underlying medical conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or sleep apnea, can often improve sleep quality. This may involve medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or other interventions.

Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in relaxation techniques before bedtime to help calm your mind and body, such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or gentle yoga stretches.

Limit alcohol and tobacco: Both alcohol and tobacco can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen sleep disorders. Limiting or avoiding these substances can help improve your sleep quality.

Stay physically active: Regular exercise can promote better sleep quality and help alleviate symptoms of certain sleep disorders. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime.

Remember that finding the right treatment for your sleep disorder may take time, and it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

Common Tests Conducted by Sleep Specialists

There are several tests that sleep specialists may use to diagnose sleep disorders. The choice of test depends on the suspected disorder and individual circumstances. Here are some common tests for sleep disorders:

Polysomnography (PSG): This is a comprehensive sleep study conducted in a sleep center or lab. During PSG, you’ll be hooked up to equipment that monitors various physiological parameters such as brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, respiratory effort, airflow, and oxygen levels while you sleep. PSG is commonly used to diagnose sleep apnea, narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder, and other sleep disorders.

Home sleep apnea test (HSAT): This is a simplified version of PSG that can be done at home. It typically involves wearing a portable monitor that records breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other parameters while you sleep. HSAT is often used specifically for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea in individuals with a high pretest probability and no other significant medical conditions.

Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT): This test measures how quickly you fall asleep during the day in a quiet environment. It’s commonly used to diagnose narcolepsy and assess daytime sleepiness. During the MSLT, you’ll take several short naps spaced throughout the day, and the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency) and any rapid eye movement (REM) sleep that occurs are recorded.

Maintenance of wakefulness test (MWT): This test measures your ability to stay awake and alert during the day. It’s often used to assess daytime sleepiness in individuals with professions that require sustained wakefulness, such as pilots or truck drivers.

Actigraphy: Actigraphy involves wearing a small device, typically on the wrist, that monitors movement and activity levels continuously over several days or weeks. It’s often used to assess sleep-wake patterns and circadian rhythms in individuals with conditions like insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, or restless legs syndrome.

Sleep diary: Keeping a sleep diary involves recording information about your sleep habits, including bedtime, wake time, total sleep duration, sleep quality, and any factors that may affect your sleep (e.g., caffeine consumption, stress levels). A sleep diary can provide valuable insight into your sleep patterns and help identify potential sleep disorders.

Questionnaires and assessments: Healthcare professionals may use standardized questionnaires and assessments to evaluate symptoms of specific sleep disorders, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for excessive daytime sleepiness or the STOP-BANG questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea.

These tests are typically interpreted by sleep specialists who can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options based on the results. If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.

Dr. Dubey is the best sleep specialist near me in Fairfax, Northern, Virginia. He has been wonderful and he had helped diagnose the issue I have been having for sometime. I truly appreciate him for all the treatment he has been doing for me to get better. If you need have a sleep disorder and need a doctor that listens to you then I recommend NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates. ~ patient McLean, VA

I have been seen by both Dr. Dubey and Rebekah Lee AGNP-C, they are extremely professional. They take care to listen and are extremely attentive to your issues. My experiences at this practice have always been excellent. ~ Patient, Fairfax, VA

NOVA Pulmonary in Vienna provided exceptional care. The team demonstrated remarkable professionalism, coupled with genuine kindness and attentiveness. Their expertise and compassionate approach make them stand out in delivering top-notch pulmonary care. Highly recommended for anyone seeking outstanding medical attention. ~ Patient, McLean, VA