Sleep Blog

Sleep Medicine Library

Evidence-based health articles written by Dr. Minal Patel to help patients and parents make informed decisions.

43 articles

Sleep Testing

Actigraphy Sleep Test: What It Is and Who Needs It

Actigraphy is a wrist sleep test worn at home with a sleep diary. Learn how long it's worn, what it shows, when it's used and how it differs from a smartwatch.

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Lifestyle

Alcohol and Sleep Apnea: How Drinking Affects Breathing

Alcohol relaxes the throat and dulls the brain's wake-up signal, so sleep apnea and snoring get worse. Learn what studies show, timing tips, and CPAP advice.

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Insomnia

CBT-I for Insomnia: What It Is and What to Expect

CBT-I is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Learn its five parts, the 4–8 session plan, what each week feels like, and how it compares to pills.

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Sleep Disorders

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders: Types and Treatment

When your body clock runs late, early or off schedule, sleep comes at the wrong time. Learn the main types, why teens run late, and how timed light helps.

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CPAP

How to Clean CPAP Equipment and When to Replace It

A simple daily and weekly CPAP cleaning routine, why to use distilled water, the FDA warning on ozone and UV cleaners, and when to replace CPAP parts.

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CPAP

Common CPAP Problems and Solutions

Mask leaks, dry mouth, and feeling claustrophobic? Solutions for the most common CPAP problems from a sleep medicine specialist.

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Treatment

CPAP Alternatives for Sleep Apnea: Your Options

Can't use CPAP? Compare sleep apnea alternatives: oral appliances, positional therapy, Inspire and other implants, surgery, weight loss and what doesn't work.

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CPAP

CPAP Compliance: Medicare Rules and Tips

What CPAP compliance means, including Medicare's 4-hour, 70% of nights rule, why nightly use matters, and practical tips to make CPAP easier every night.

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CPAP

CPAP Mask Types: Nasal Pillows vs Nasal vs Full Face

Compare nasal pillow, nasal, full face and hybrid CPAP masks: who each suits, fit tips, chin straps for mouth breathing, and when to ask for a refit.

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Sleep Testing

What Happens During a CPAP Titration Study?

A CPAP titration study fine-tunes your therapy for optimal results. Learn what to expect during this important overnight test.

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CPAP

CPAP vs BiPAP vs APAP: Differences and Who Needs Each

CPAP vs BiPAP explained by a sleep doctor: how each machine sets air pressure, who needs BiPAP, how the switch is decided, and what Medicare asks for.

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Advanced Treatment

New Sleep Apnea Treatments in 2026

New sleep apnea treatments in 2026: Zepbound, newer nerve implants, and a pill under FDA review. See what is approved now and what is still being tested.

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Advanced Treatment

How Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Works for Sleep Apnea

Learn how stimulating the hypoglossal nerve tightens the genioglossus muscle to keep the airway open in sleep, what it feels like, and what the studies show.

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CPAP

How to Get Used to CPAP Therapy

Struggling with your CPAP? Tips from a sleep specialist on adjusting to CPAP therapy, overcoming discomfort, and building a nightly routine.

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Sleep Testing

Home Sleep Apnea Testing Explained

Home sleep apnea tests let you get diagnosed from the comfort of your bed. Learn how HSATs work, who qualifies, and how results compare to in-lab sleep studies.

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CPAP

How CPAP Machines Work

Curious how a CPAP machine keeps your airway open at night? A sleep doctor explains the technology behind CPAP therapy.

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Sleep Testing

How a Polysomnography Sleep Study Works

Polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders. Learn what it measures, how it works, and what results mean.

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Diagnosis

How Sleep Doctors Diagnose Sleep Disorders, Step by Step

How sleep disorders are diagnosed: sleep history, diary, questionnaires and exam, then the right test, from home sleep tests to in-lab studies, MSLT or none.

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Advanced Treatment

Sleep Apnea Implants: Inspire, Genio, aura6000, remedē

Compare the FDA-approved sleep apnea implants as of 2026: Inspire, Genio and aura6000 for obstructive apnea and remedē for central apnea. Learn who qualifies.

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Sleep Testing

In-Lab Sleep Study vs. Home Sleep Study

Should you get an in-lab or home sleep study? A sleep specialist compares the pros, cons, accuracy, and cost of each testing option to help you decide which is right.

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Inspire

Inspire vs. CPAP Therapy

Comparing Inspire therapy and CPAP for sleep apnea. Pros, cons, effectiveness, and which treatment may be right for you.

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Sleep Testing

MSLT vs MWT: Daytime Sleep Tests Explained

The MSLT tests how fast you fall asleep in daytime naps to help diagnose narcolepsy. The MWT tests staying awake. Learn how each works and how to prepare.

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Sleep Disorders

Narcolepsy: Symptoms, Types and Diagnosis

Narcolepsy causes heavy daytime sleepiness and often starts in the teen years. Learn the symptoms of type 1 and type 2, how it is diagnosed, and treatment.

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Treatment

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea: How It Works

A custom mouthpiece can treat sleep apnea by holding your jaw forward. Learn who it helps, how it is fitted, side effects, and why a follow-up test matters.

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Sleep Disorders

Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment

Restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move your legs at night. Learn the symptoms, why iron matters, RLS in children, and the 2024 treatment guideline.

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Sleep Apnea

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and morning headaches could be signs of sleep apnea. Learn the warning signs and when to see a sleep doctor.

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Health Risks

Sleep Apnea and Type 2 Diabetes: The Two-Way Link

Sleep apnea is common in type 2 diabetes and can raise insulin resistance. Learn who should be tested and what CPAP and weight loss can do for blood sugar.

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Symptoms

Sleep Apnea and Daytime Fatigue

Feeling exhausted despite sleeping all night? Daytime fatigue is a hallmark sign of sleep apnea. Learn why and what you can do.

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Health Risks

How Sleep Apnea Affects Heart Health

Sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Learn the connection and why treatment is critical.

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Health Risks

Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure: How They're Linked

How sleep apnea raises blood pressure, why it matters when BP stays high on several medicines, and what CPAP can and cannot do for your numbers.

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General

First Sleep Clinic Visit: What to Expect

What happens at a first sleep clinic visit and how to prepare: what to bring, a sleep diary, questions to ask, and what comes next, from testing to follow-up.

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Sleep Testing

How Sleep Study Results Are Interpreted (AHI Explained)

Understanding your sleep study results: what AHI means, how severity is classified, and what your numbers mean for treatment.

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Treatment

Sleep Apnea Surgery: Options for Adults and Children

Sleep apnea surgery options explained: nose, throat and jaw surgery, Inspire, weight-loss surgery and tonsil removal in kids, plus who is a candidate.

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CPAP

Traveling with CPAP: TSA, Flying and Power Abroad

How to fly with a CPAP: TSA screening, carry-on rules, using CPAP on the plane, batteries, voltage abroad, distilled water, camping and travel machines.

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Technology

Can a Smartwatch Detect Sleep Apnea?

Some smartwatches have FDA-authorized sleep apnea alerts. Learn what wearables measure, why no alert doesn't rule it out, and which sleep test comes next.

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Lifestyle

Weight Loss and Sleep Apnea: How Much It Helps

Losing weight can make sleep apnea milder and sometimes resolve it. Learn how much it helps, your weight-loss options, and why to keep using CPAP.

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Insomnia

What Causes Insomnia? Triggers and the 3 P's

Insomnia often starts with stress or illness, then lingers because of habits built around poor sleep. Learn the 3 P's, common causes and when to get help.

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Sleep Testing

What Happens During a Sleep Study?

Nervous about your sleep study? Here's exactly what to expect during an overnight sleep study, from check-in to results.

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CPAP

What Is CPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for sleep apnea. Learn how it works, what to expect, and why it's so effective.

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Inspire

What Is Inspire Therapy for Sleep Apnea?

Inspire therapy is a CPAP alternative that treats sleep apnea with a small implanted device. Learn how it works and who qualifies.

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Sleep Apnea

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Learn what obstructive sleep apnea is, how it affects your health, and why treatment matters. Expert guide from a board-certified sleep specialist.

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General

When to See a Sleep Specialist: Warning Signs

Signs it is time to see a sleep specialist: snoring with gasping, daytime sleepiness, lasting insomnia, leg urges, acting out dreams, and signs in children.

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Sleep Apnea

Why Snoring May Be Dangerous

Not all snoring is harmless. Learn when snoring may signal a serious sleep disorder and why you should talk to a sleep specialist.

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