Unrecognized sleep disorders can shorten lives, promote hypertension, augment risk for diabetes, exacerbate metabolic syndrome, increase overall medical care costs, impair cognition, cause motor vehicle crashes, reduce workplace productivity, and greatly diminish quality of life. Sleep problems are among the most common complaints that patients bring to their clinicians, but little medical training is devoted to the field and so sleep disorders tend to remain undiagnosed for many years. The case-based chapters in this book highlight key points and pitfalls in a readable, easily assimilated, and memorable format that should improve a clinician's ability to address, investigate, and manage common sleep disorders. The cases illustrate how clinical skill and occasional wisdom can complement data obtained from laboratory testing. Common Pitfalls in Sleep Medicine will be of particular interest to clinicians and trainees in sleep medicine, neurology, internal medicine, family medicine, pulmonary medicine, otolaryngology, psychiatry, and psychology.

Describes how to avoid some of the most common mistakes and misunderstandings in sleep medicine
Written by current and former staff of one of the leading academic sleep medicine programs
Condenses clinical wisdom learned from direct patient experience, both good and bad, into actionable recommendations and guidance

Table of Contents

Part I. Sleepiness v. Fatigue, Tiredness and Lack of Energy
Part II. Assessment of Daytime Sleepiness
Part III. Diagnosis of Narcolepsy
Part IV. Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Part V. Positive Airway Pressure to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Part VI. Alternatives to PAP in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Part VII. Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Insomnia
Part VIII. Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Leg Movements
Part IX. Parasomnias
Part X. Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders
Part XI. Missed Diagnoses of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Can Exacerbate Medical and Neurological Conditions
Part XII. Sleep in Children
Part XIII. Sleep in Older Persons.