01
Intro to UARS
Key facts:
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UARS is often misdiagnosed and severely underdiagnosed. I was waking up 40-50 times an hour - and never knew ! Treatment for UARS is challenging.
02
What UARS feels like
Key facts:
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It's often a wired and deep exhaustion, rather than tiredness. One adapts slowly and may not realize one has a condition at all. Doctors overlook UARS because we're often skinny and fit. UARS may mask as mental health or neurological conditions. Important to rule out the basics and push for referrals to a sleep lab.
03
Getting a diagnosis
Key facts:
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WARNING, FALSE NEGATIVES: Many sleep labs only count apneas and hypopneas, but they must detect RERAs in order to diagnose UARS. People with UARS often have to pay out of pocket with insurance not covering UARS. WatchPAT and Sunrise are recommended home-sleep tests, beware of other types. Don't be afraid to ask questions before going into a sleep lab.
04
Consumer sleep trackers ?
Key facts:
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None of the trackers tested (Whoop, Muse, Apple Watch, Sleep2) detected brief awakenings caused by respiratory disturbances. The often filter these out as 'noise' or have low sampling frequencies. Don't rely on sleep trackers. WatchPAT and Sunrise are FDA-approved home sleep tests designed to pick up on OSA and UARS.