Sleep Medicines Charleston SC - Rule Out Sleep Apnea First | Hope Integrative Medicine
October 31, 2026 · 1:23
Why undiagnosed sleep apnea matters before relying on sleep medicines, how the workup and sleep study referral work, and why CBT-I is the first-line treatment for insomnia.
Ready to Talk With Someone?
We care for anxiety, depression and stress in West Ashley and by telehealth across South Carolina. Schedule an appointment today.
Transcript
Ambien, Lunesta or trazodone long term? Rule out sleep apnea first. Here are three things to know. Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. It leaves people tired no matter how long they sleep, and it is common and often missed. Sedating medicines can relax the airway further, and treating insomnia without addressing apnea leaves the real problem in place. Loud snoring, gasping or pauses noticed by a partner, morning headaches, high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness are all clues. The initial workup happens in the office: a sleep history, a short questionnaire, and a look at blood pressure, weight, neck size and medicines. When apnea is likely, a sleep study comes next, often a home test. Zolpidem and eszopiclone carry a warning about complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or driving while not fully awake. All of these medicines can add to the effects of alcohol and other sedating medicines. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is the recommended first treatment for long-term insomnia, and over time it works better than medicine. Read the full article at hopeintegrativemed.com. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loud snoring, gasping or pauses noticed by a partner, morning headaches, high blood pressure and daytime sleepiness are all clues.
A sleep history, a short screening questionnaire, and a look at blood pressure, weight, neck size and medicines. When apnea is likely, we refer you for a sleep study, often a home test, and coordinate the results and next steps.
Zolpidem and eszopiclone can leave you groggy the next morning, especially older adults. Tell your provider if this happens.
