Sleep Through Her Eyes: Unpacking Gender Differences in Sleep and OSA 

By Alison S Kole, MD, MPH, FCCP, FAASM  Sleep, a fundamental aspect of health and well-being,1 exhibits unique characteristics and challenges in women, influenced by biological, hormonal, and life cycle factors. These distinctions not only shape sleep patterns but also affect the presentation and diagnosis of sleep disorders, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This article…

Blue Light-Filtering Lenses – Gimmick or Not?

Blue light-filtering glasses are extensively marketed as devices that will reduce adverse effects of light-emitting screens on sleep, but there is little scientific evidence to support those claims. Blue Light Visible light includes a short segment of wavelengths tucked into the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. Together, the wavelengths of visible light captured by our eyes are…

TELEMEDICINE IN SLEEP MEDICINE TODAY

Telemedicine has gained significant popularity and acceptance in various medical specialties, including sleep medicine. Below are some examples of its use: ADVANTAGES Remote Consultations: Telemedicine allows patients to have virtual consultations with sleep medicine specialists from the comfort of their own homes. Through video conferencing or telephonic communication, patients can discuss their symptoms, medical history,…

Narcolepsy and Cardiovascular Abnormalities

Narcolepsy, a lifelong disorder, requires long-term treatment. It is often  associated with multiple comorbidities, including significant cardiovascular conditions. One 2021 study published in Sleep was developed to estimate the incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities in adult patients with a narcolepsy diagnosis in the US.[i] Methods An administrative claims database was analyzed between January 2014 and June…

New Medication for Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep abnormality. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have added to the statistical incidence of insomnia as well. Medications are utilized as one method to treat insomnia, including the relatively new drug, Quviviq (daridorexant). In January 2022, the FDA approved this new insomnia medication. Quviviq (daridorexant) Daridorexant is an oral tablet that’s…

Telemedicine and Sleep Disorders in Children

Telemedicine in pediatrics has become an important consideration since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in an effort to reduce risk of illness to pediatric patients, their families, staff, and clinicians. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, few clinicians engaged in routine telemedicine visits because thorough examinations were difficult to perform; there was lack of consistent…