s2/e06 The Science of Sleep & Athletic Performance with Dr. Amy Bender, MS, PhD (@sleep4sport)

Identifying Disorders

Identifying sleep disorders is crucial for addressing issues like insomnia and sleep apnea. Amy Bender explains that insomnia affects about 15% of the population and often overlaps with mental health problems, with 95% of mental health issues having a sleep disturbance component 1. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a poor night's sleep becomes a disorder, such as when insomnia symptoms occur three times a week for over three months, impacting daily life 2.

   

Treating Problems

Treating sleep disorders involves understanding their underlying causes and exploring various treatment options. Amy Bender highlights cognitive behavioral therapy as the gold standard for insomnia, focusing on changing thoughts and behaviors around sleep 2. She also discusses the use of CPAP machines and oral appliances for sleep apnea, noting the development of home-based sleep lab technology to facilitate diagnosis and treatment 2.