--- title: Sleep Better, Live Better Blog description: Read the latest information about sleep and heath on our Sleep Better, Live Better. Blog. Los Angeles based Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. provides diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders with sleep centers located across Southern California. --- **[![ASMS_logo_shadow_round](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png?width=200&name=ASMS_logo_shadow_round.png "ASMS_logo_shadow_round")](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/)** **Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.** The Sleep Experts`®` (877) 775-3377 ## Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ### *We believe that education is the first step to finding better sleep. Our articles educate people on sleep news, sleep disorders, and sleep care to help them achieve better health and live better lives. * *Thanks for joining the conversation.* ## [Use it or Lose it! Your Health Benefits May Expire at the End of the Year](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/use-it-or-lose-it-your-health-benefits-may-expire-at-the-end-of-the-year) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 21, 2016 6:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hs-fs/hub/299691/file-335673427.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/use-it-or-lose-it-your-health-benefits-may-expire-at-the-end-of-the-year) ******Did you know that if you don't use all of your health insurance benefits this year, you lose them forever?  You may have met your deductible for 2016 already. If so, you can take advantage of lower (or no) out-of-pocket expenses for medical services such as sleep studies, PAP or supplies (learn about insurance coverage for these services [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/insurance-coverage-for-sleep-studies)). Waiting until next year means that not only will you lose any unused benefits for this year, but also that you'll have to first satisfy a new year's deductible before any benefits will be paid.  We understand that patients and their physicians are concerned about rising out-of-pocket expenses for health care; unfortunately, this often affects decisions about how healthcare is administered. Now, more than ever, it's important to understand your insurance benefits and take advantage of your benefits. Here are some key terms that you should understand. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/use-it-or-lose-it-your-health-benefits-may-expire-at-the-end-of-the-year) Topics: [Health Insurance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) ## [Pot: An Alternative Treatment for Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 7, 2016 8:25:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/medical%20marijuana%20for%20sleep%20apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Sleep apnea affects approximately 20 million Americans—nearly one out of every 16 people—and estimates show that sleep disorders affect over 40 million people in the United States alone. Sufferers are unable to achieve restful sleep, no matter how long they spend in bed. As a result, people with sleep apnea suffer from many negative health effects and conditions as a result of the strain on their body and mind. When left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly reduce a person’s health and quality of life. There are effective treatments for sleep apnea that are FDA approved and easily available; however, these therapies are challenging to use or prohibitively expensive. As a result, there are many alternative therapies that are gaining popularity as new research and technology are making them more effective. One such potential therapy is derived from a controversial substance: marijuana. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pot-an-alternative-treatment-for-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea), [Treating Sleep Apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea), [Sleep and Society](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) ## [Does Pre-Bed Video Gaming Ruin Your Sleep?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Nov 1, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/teenage-boys-video-game-sleep.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Video gaming is something of a national pastime among teenagers in the United States. One survey found that nearly 75% of teenage boys participate in some form of gaming^1.  With so many of our  kids playing video games as a principle form of recreation, and so many of the video games being highly action-oriented and even violent, it's natural to wonder how this stimulation can impact sleep.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/pre-bed-video-gaming) Topics: [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) ## [Veterans with PTSD are at Higher Risk for Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/veterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 31, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/veterans-increased-risk-of-sleep-disorders.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/veterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders) PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) manifests itself in many ways. The symptoms of PTSD aren't limited to distressing memories and emotional trauma. In fact, a large body of research has shown that **veterans suffering from PTSD are at increased risk for a host of sleep disorders. **   The complex relationship between anxiety, breathing problems, hyperarousal, and intrusive memories makes it difficult to isolate the factors causing these [sleep disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/sleep-disorders) and can complicate treatment. But a couple things are clear; veterans experience sleep disorders at a very high rate, and it is very important for these disorders be treated in addition to targeting the PTSD itself.  [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/veterans-with-ptsd-are-at-higher-risk-for-sleep-disorders) Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders), [Job-Related Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) ## [Understanding Your Sleep Study Results](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/understanding-sleep-study-results) Posted by [Jonathan Sherrill](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/jonathan-sherrill) Oct 27, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/JUDY_SESSION_2_JPG-210_smaller.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/understanding-sleep-study-results) If you recently had or ordered a sleep study to test for [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/types), the question foremost in your mind is probably what your results have to say about your sleep health or the health of your patient. However, unless you know what to look for, your sleep study report may seem more perplexing than informational. Here are six things you need to know in order to be able to read and understand a sleep study report. ***Note: You should review your results with your physician and discuss your diagnosis, next steps and treatment options.*** [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleepbetterblog/understanding-sleep-study-results) Topics: [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) ## [How Long Does a Sleep Study Last?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-long-does-a-sleep-study-last) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 25, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/how%20long%20does%20a%20sleep%20study%20last.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-long-does-a-sleep-study-last) Sleep studies are performed to rule out or diagnose sleep disorders such as [sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea) and [narcolepsy](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/narcolepsy-facts-the-science-and-the-symptoms). A sleep study can take place in a sleep center or in a patient's home (learn about the difference between in-center and in-home testing [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/home-sleep-test-vs-in-center-sleep-study)). If you have just scheduled or are planning to schedule your first sleep study, you may wonder how long the entire procedure will take. In this post, we'll cover the typical length of different types of sleep studies. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/how-long-does-a-sleep-study-last) Topics: [Sleep Studies](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) ## [Insurance Coverage for Bi-Level PAP](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 20, 2016 9:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/bilevel_PAP_device_for_sleep_apnea.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) PAP (positive airway pressure) therapy treats [obstructive sleep apnea](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/learn-about-sleep-apnea) by delivering pressurized air into the airways to keep it open during the night while sleeping. PAP can reduce or completely eliminate sleep apnea (learn more about how PAP therapy works [here](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/pap-therapy)). There is significant evidence that treating sleep apnea with PAP therapy improves quality of life, reduces daytime sleepiness, reduces motor-vehicle accidents, improves hypertension and may [reduce death due to cardiovascular events](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-the-heart). The most common device is called CPAP; however, there is another device called bi-level PAP or BiPAP that can be more comfortable for some patients. Learn more about how that device works and what's required to get approval from your insurance company. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/insurance-coverage-for-bi-level-pap) Topics: [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [Would a Child with Sleep Apnea Need CPAP?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/would-a-child-with-sleep-apnea-need-cpap) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 18, 2016 7:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/child_using_cpap.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/would-a-child-with-sleep-apnea-need-cpap) CPAP is the gold-standard therapy for adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea. It is the most effective therapy, when used properly, at reducing or eliminating apnea events. CPAP therapy has been shown to prevent and even reduce the negative effects that sleep apnea can have on the body, including increased risk of death from [heart problems](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-the-heart). We talk a lot about the use of CPAP for adults, but what about children?  It is estimated that 2-3% of children suffer from sleep apnea. Can they benefit from CPAP therapy too? [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/would-a-child-with-sleep-apnea-need-cpap) Topics: [Children and Sleep](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) ## [At What Severity Will Insurance Cover CPAP for Sleep Apnea?](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 13, 2016 8:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/determining_insurance_coverage_for_cpap_can_be_frustrating.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) The patient clearly has sleep apnea, but it's not severe enough for the insurance company to cover therapy. Why? Unfortunately, there are varying opinions about how sleep apnea is diagnosed and when CPAP is the appropriate therapy. Primarily, the difference is between how Medicare (CMS) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) define a diagnosis of sleep apnea. And many commercial insurances are starting to follow Medicare's guidelines for CPAP coverage. In this post we'll explain what insurance companies, including Medicare, are looking for in a sleep study to determine coverage for CPAP. We'll offer suggestions of what to do if insurance won't cover CPAP. [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/at-what-severity-will-insurance-cover-cpap-for-sleep-apnea) Topics: [Health Insurance](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance), [CPAP Treatment](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) ## [The Real Reason They Call it the Graveyard Shift...](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) Posted by [Julia Steele Rodriguez](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/author/julia-steele-rodriguez) Oct 10, 2016 6:00:00 AM [![](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/Website_Redesign_Photos/sleep_technician_hooking_up_a_child_for_sleep_study.jpg) ](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) I wanted to start this week with a real warm and fuzzy post about how grateful we are for our sleep technologists. We call them night techs. Each October, the [American Association of Sleep Technologists](http://www.aastweb.org/appreciation-week) celebrates Sleep Tech Week to recognize the technologists who play a vital role in sleep centers across the country. # Who performs overnight sleep studies? That's right... our Registered Polysomnographic Technologists... our sleep techs (or RPSGTs for short). These are the ladies and gents that perform sleep studies, for the young and old, sick and tired, seven nights a week almost 365 days a year. The tech who attaches all of the electrodes and tucks you in for a good night's sleep at the sleep center.   Our sleep techs work tirelessly making sure that our patients are comfortable, informed, and properly cared for during their overnight sleep studies. It's a tough job. Many patients undergoing sleep studies are nervous, anxious, tired and not interested in spending the night in an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar technician. But it's an important job! After completing a sleep study and receiving treatment for a sleep disorder, [many patients report that their lives are greatly improved](http://www.midmichigan.org/conditions-treatments/neuroscience/sleep-disorders/testimonials/sleeping-better-thanks-to-a-simple-test/).  So that got me thinking: who's taking care of the sleep techs? I have several questions: - What are the effects of working the Graveyard Shift (ie: working overnight)? Does it cause sleep disorders? - Can anyone work overnight, or are some people more suited to night work than others? - Do gravediggers really dig graves at night? (this question seems appropriate as we approach Halloween) Here's what I found: [Read More](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/the-real-reason-they-call-it-the-graveyard-shift) Topics: [Sleep Disorders](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders), [Good Sleep Habits](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) [All posts](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/all) [Next](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/page/2) ## Share this blog post: [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Sleep%20Better%2C%20Live%20Better%20Blog) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2F299691.hs-sites-na2.com%2Fblog%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates Search our blog Search ### Posts by Topic - [Children and Sleep (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/children-and-sleep) - [Coffee (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/coffee) - [CPAP Alternatives (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-alternatives) - [CPAP Supplies (9)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [CPAP Treatment (25)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/cpap-treatment) - [Diabetes (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [Doctor's Opinion (4)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/doctors-opinion) - [Economics of Sleep Medicine (15)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/economics-of-sleep-medicine) - [Good Sleep Habits (59)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/good-sleep-habits) - [Health Insurance (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Heart Disease (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/heart-disease) - [Insomnia (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/insomnia) - [Job-Related Sleep Disorders (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/job-related-sleep-disorders) - [Kids and Sleep (20)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/kids-and-sleep) - [Narcolepsy (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/narcolepsy) - [Preparing for your sleep study (2)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/preparing-for-your-sleep-study) - [Sex and Sleep (7)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sex-and-sleep) - [Sleep and Exercise (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-exercise) - [Sleep and Society (41)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-and-society) - [Sleep Apnea (60)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [Sleep Business (3)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-business) - [Sleep Disorders (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [Sleep Studies (30)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [Telemedicine (1)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/telemedicine) - [Treating Sleep Apnea (29)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/treating-sleep-apnea) - [Women and Sleep (14)](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/blog/topic/women-and-sleep) ### Most viewed posts ### Recent Posts **Contact Us:** Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc. Corporate Office 17835 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300 Encino, CA 91316 Phone (877) 775-3377 Fax (877) 855-6227  [info@sleepdr.com](mailto:info@sleepdr.com) ## **Top Links:** [Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/frequently-asked-questions)[Download Service Request Form (Rx) ](http://www.sleepdr.com/service_request_form)[Request medical records ](http://www.sleepdr.com/request-medical-records)[See a complete list of locations ](http://www.sleepdr.com/locations)[Schedule an appointment ](http://www.sleepdr.com/schedule)[Sleep Better, Live Better Blog ](http://www.sleepdr.com/sleepbetterblog)[Contact us](http://www.sleepdr.com/contact) **About Us:** Our mission is to empower sufferers of sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to lead more fulfilling lives by improving their sleep. We believe that by caring for and educating our patients and diagnosing and treating their sleep disorders we can help them achieve better health. With 20 locations across California, we are the leading provider of in-center and in-home (HST) sleep studies, PAP therapeutic devices, and replacement PAP supplies. We are contracted with more than 300 medical groups and commercial health plans. We partner with independent physicians who are at the forefront of the field of sleep medicine and together we provide high-quality, affordable, result-oriented and patient-centric diagnostic and therapeutic sleep medicine services. We strive to make all our interactions with patients, referring physicians, coworkers, and others courteous, caring and professional and we consider each interaction with our patients as an opportunity to live up to our commitment to the highest standards of patient care.  ### Subscribe to our blog: [![Twitter link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/twitter-865437-edited.png "Twitter link")](https://twitter.com/mysleepdr)[![Facebook link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/facebook-square-750598-edited.png "Facebook link")](https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedSleepMedicine)[![LinkedIn link](https://299691.hs-sites-na2.com/hubfs/linkedin-815276-edited.png "LinkedIn link")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-sleep-medicine-services-inc) ## Original photos by Francisco Crow [www.fc-images.net](http://www.fc-images.net) All rights reserved. Our administrative offices AND sleep centers will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.