ABSTRACT
A complete sleep history should be obtained on all patients suspected of having a sleep-related breathing disorder (SRBD). The sleep history should include questions regarding the patient’s sleep habits (such as time to bed, time out of bed) and symptoms of other common sleep disorders, especially insomnia, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy, which can frequently coexist with a SRBD. A full medical history should be obtained as a diagnosis of congestive heart failure or neurologic disease may indicate the presence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration as the underlying cause of the SRBD. Likewise, a complete list of medications should be ascertained as many medications may affect sleep and/or respiration. The list includes sedatives, hypnotics, narcotics, and stimulants. A family history of SRBD should be sought as obstructive sleep apnea [OSA, formerly referred to as the obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)] appears to display a familial aggregation (1,2). Finally, a complete history of alcohol and/or tobacco use, which worsens OSA, should also be obtained (3).
