Medication for Sleep
Zolpidem, commonly known by its brand name Ambien, is a medication widely prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics, which work by affecting chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems.
- Short-Term Treatment of Insomnia
- Improved Sleep Quality.
- Rapid Onset of Action
Physical Examination
A physical examination is conducted to check for any physical conditions that might be contributing to your sleep problems. This may include:
- Upper Airway Examination: Assessing the airway for obstructions or anatomical abnormalities that could cause snoring or sleep apnea.
- Neurological Examination: Evaluating neurological function to rule out conditions such as restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder.
- Cardiovascular Assessment: Checking for signs of heart disease or hypertension, which are often associated with sleep apnea.
Diagnostic Tests
Depending on the initial findings, various diagnostic tests may be recommended to gain a clearer understanding of your sleep disorder:
Polysomnography (PSG): This overnight sleep study is conducted in a sleep lab and is considered the gold standard for diagnosing many sleep disorders. PSG monitors brain waves, eye movements, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, and oxygen levels while you sleep.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT): For certain cases, especially when obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is suspected, a home sleep test may be recommended. HSAT involves using portable monitoring equipment to record breathing, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in the comfort of your home.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): This test is used to diagnose narcolepsy and other hypersomnia disorders. It measures how quickly you fall asleep in a quiet environment during the day and how quickly you enter REM sleep.
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT): This test assesses your ability to stay awake and alert during the day, which can be important for diagnosing excessive daytime sleepiness and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for sleep disorders.
Actigraphy: An actigraph is a wearable device that monitors movement and provides data on sleep-wake patterns over an extended period, often used to diagnose circadian rhythm disorders.