Can a Sleep Diary Help Diagnose Sleep Apnea?

Are you battling daily fatigue? Is your partner sleeping in another room because of your snoring? You may have sleep apnea, a condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing from an obstruction in the upper airway. It results from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or tongue collapsing, which narrows the airway. Unfortunately, a bad night’s rest isn’t the only complication of the disorder. You can be at risk of life-threatening health issues without any treatment. Your physician will set up a sleep study to confirm the condition, but they may also ask you to start a diary. A sleep diary can be invaluable when creating a personalized plan to help you breathe better.

What is a Sleep Diary?

A sleep diary can be recommended to track your sleep habits and patterns. The accumulation of information can be used to help diagnose sleep disorders. Typically, a log is kept for 2 weeks, which includes information about:

• The time you went to bed
• How long it took to fall asleep
• The time you woke up
• The number of awakenings during the night
• Your overall quality of sleep
• Any disturbances
• Number of daily caffeinated beverages
• Number of daily alcoholic drinks
• Medications
• Activity level
• Bedtime routine

Should You Keep a Sleep Diary?

Tracking your sleep patterns is never a bad idea. Besides preparation for your sleep study, you can use the information at home to get a good night’s rest. You can detect certain habits that may keep you awake, like too much caffeine or watching TV before going to bed. You can also use the information to monitor for changes after beginning treatment for sleep apnea. Your sleep specialist can use the log to determine if any changes are needed to ensure your treatment is effective. 

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?

After reviewing the results of your sleep study and the information from your diary, your physician will determine which treatment will be right for you, which may include:

• CPAP: A CPAP is the most traditional method of treating sleep apnea. A mask is worn over the mouth or nose while sleeping, which delivers a gentle stream of air pressure to keep your airway open. 
• Oral Appliance: An oral appliance is effective for mild-to-moderate cases of sleep apnea. The custom-fit oral device repositions the tongue and lower jaw to prevent them from blocking the airway. It can be used alone or along with a CPAP, depending on your treatment plan. 

Committing to your treatment and improving your sleep habits will help you wake up alert and ready to start the day. You’ll sleep better to support your wellness and to always feel your best.

About Dr. Josh Culver

Dr. Culver earned his dental degree from the West Virginia School of Dentistry and has completed advanced education in dental implants, laser dentistry, and sleep apnea therapy. He regularly continues his training to provide the latest solutions, like oral appliance therapy. If you need treatment for sleep apnea, contact our office today to request your consultation.