Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at my first visit?
Prior to your first visit you will be asked to complete a sleep disorders questionnaire that will be emailed to you in advance of your visit. Your first visit may be either 60 or 90 minutes long, depending on the nature of your complaint. A comprehensive sleep evaluation will be conducted and may include a brief physical examination. Based on the information obtained at this initial visit, the sleep specialist will formulate a diagnosis and offer a recommended treatment plan for your consideration which may or may not involve an overnight sleep study.
You will also be asked to complete sleep disorders questionnaires that willwill w be emailed to you for completion in advance of scheduling your visit. Or you can download the forms from this website.
Do you conduct overnight sleep studies at your center?
Home Sleep Tests are conducted through our center. Laboratory If an overnight laboratory sleep study is deemed necessary, you will be referred to one our affiliated sleep laboratories located nearest you. After any study, you will have a follow-up visit scheduled with Dr. Cetel to discuss the study results and any treatments that may be appropriate.
What if I have sleep apnea? Do I have to wear one of those “masks” for the rest of my life?
If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) a number of treatment options may be available, one of which is the “mask”, known as CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is the most effective known treatment for OSA. It may take some getting used to but there is a wide array of mask types and fits available. Depending on the severity of your OSA, alternative treatments may be available and will be discussed in detail. CPAP doesn’t have to be for life. Weight loss or certain surgical procedures have the potential to eliminate the need for CPAP in some cases. We will work with you to help identify the best treatment match for you. Weight loss, dental appliances, or certain surgical procedures have the potential to eliminate the need for CPAP in some cases.
What is the success rate with CBTI?
Success with CBTI can be defined in a number of different ways including, taking less time to fall asleep, spending less time awake at night, getting better quality sleep, a reduction in sleep anxiety, or a reduction or discontinuation of sleep medication use. About 80% of patients completing CBTI program have found it to be very effective in these areas.
How is CBTI better than sleep medication?
Sleep medication can be very effective for insomnia but it is often associated with side effects, tolerance (needing higher dosages to get the same effect), physical or psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, sleep medication treats only the symptom of insomnia which is being awake at night more than you would like. By contrast, CBTI targets the causes of chronic insomnia which then leads to symptom improvement. The only potential known side effect of CBTI is some additional short term daytime sleepiness, but this is temporary.
Do I need to be off sleep medication to participate in CBTI?
No. If you are already taking sleep medication on either a regular or occasional basis you can still participate in and benefit from CBTI. If, however, you are seeking to either reduce of discontinue sleep medication use, CBTI provides an excellent opportunity to do so. CBTI offers guided support, and alternative sleep strategies to minimize any possible medication withdrawal effects.
Is CBTI effective for all types of insomnia?
Insomnia can take many forms such as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early. The techniques of CBTI are tailored to address any combination of these insomnia types.