Doctors Answers (4)
If part of your fatigue is due to a sleep disorder like central or obstructive sleep apnea or a movement disorder could be identified then a diagnostic study may be of benefit.
Yes. Sometimes sleep apnea is mis diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome. A sleep study will help determine if that is the cause of your chronic fatigue.
Yes, a sleep study will help of you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Usually, we find either a paucity or absence of Stage 3 sleep OR extreme fragmentation of Stage 3 sleep. If this is seen then we can work with the patient to correct the problem. This, in turn, improves CFS. A single picture is worth a thousand words. The sleep center should refer you to a physician who understands the relationship between CFS and abnormal sleep.
If you have not been evaluated by a sleep specialist, it may be advisable to pursue a sleep evaluation. Some sleep disorders can masquerade as chronic fatigue syndrome, so getting a work-up done at a sleep disorders center might help to determine if a sleep disorder contributing to your symptoms of fatigue. The treatment approach to sleep disorders is different than the approach taken for chronic fatigue. Therefore, if a sleep problem is identified it can have an important impact on the treatment(s) that your doctor recommends.
