Patient Forms
Patients may download our
In Lab Patient Information Packet
Home Study Patient Information Packet
AASM Sleep Diary
Post In Lab Study Questionnaire
Post Home Study Questionnaire
Forms are in PDF format.
In detail…
Congratulations on taking the first steps to help educate yourself on the importance of sleep! You or someone you know may have trouble sleeping or may have common symptoms of an untreated sleep disorder.
Although the exact purpose of sleep is only partly clear, we do know that regular sleep is essential for mental, emotional & physical health. Sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages. The three broad categories of sleep problems include:
- Insufficient Sleep: This results from imposed or self-imposed lifestyles and work schedules. Many children, adolescents, and adults regularly fail to get sufficient sleep to function effectively during waking hours.
- Primary Sleep Disorders: More than 70 types of sleep disorders chronically affect people of all ages. Fifty percent or more of patients remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated.
- Secondary Sleep Disorders: People having a chronic disease associated with pain or infection, a neurological or psychiatric disorder, or an alcohol or substance abuse disorder often experience poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness.
1. Consequences of not treating a sleep disorder
It is essential to pursue diagnosing a probable sleep disorder so that treatment can be implemented as soon as possible.
2. What is sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes people to frequently “stop breathing” while sleeping. People who suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing many times during their sleep. When their breathing is restored, there is a “micro-wakeup” called an arousal. As a result of this arousal, sleep is interrupted many times during the night; however, since this occurs during sleep, patients are not aware of these brief interruptions.
3. Is sleep apnea a serious disorder?
Yes. As mentioned previously, if left untreated, sleep apnea and other physiological sleep disorders increase your risk for heart problems and stroke.
It can also lead to:
4. What causes sleep apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form of the disorder. During sleep, the throat muscles, behind the tongue, collapse causing restriction of airflow in and out of the lungs.
5. What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Restless Sleep
- Morning Headaches
- Loss of Energy
- Irritability, short temper
- Anxiety or depression
- Falling asleep during the day at work, while watching TV, listening to lectures, reading
- Loud snoring interrupted by silence and then gasps
- Forgetfulness
- Falling asleep while driving
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood or behavior changes
- Decreased interest in sex
6. A sleep study can tell you whether you have sleep apnea.
Talk to your doctor. If he or she suspects that you have sleep apnea, you will be referred to us to have a sleep test to confirm this diagnosis. We at the Contra Costa Sleep Center are dedicated to providing quality care to our patients. We provide services to a diverse population: adults, geriatric patients and children.
7. What can be done about sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a correctable problem.
8. Your physician may also suggest that you:
- Lose weight
- Avoid alcohol, especially close to bedtime
- Take medications with caution, especially sleeping pills; some can depress breathing and can make sleep apnea worse.
9. Sleep Studies and Health Insurance.
Although your physician may request you to be studied in the standard fashion, in the laboratory with a CPAP titration, your insurance company may only authorize the study be done at home because it is less expensive.