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The Sleep Journal
Nicky Charles Peters
Editor & Writer
Nicky is a lifestyle journalist and editor with 4+ years of experience and a passion for storytelling and producing authentic, impactful content for readers of all ilks. With a university-level background in biology and an MA in creative writing, they’re uniquely qualified to translate the complex scientific literature around sleep apnea into engaging, informative, and actionable content to help Dumbo Health users on their treatment journey.
Articles by Nicky Charles Peters
23 articles
How do at-home sleep studies work?
Learn how at-home sleep studies (HSAT) monitor breathing and oxygen levels to detect sleep apnea. Discover accuracy, benefits, and if HSAT is right for you.
What is sleep apnea?
Learn what sleep apnea really is, how it affects your breathing at night, and the difference between obstructive and central sleep apnea. Discover symptoms, risks, and when to seek diagnosis.
What are the main causes of sleep apnea?
Learn what causes sleep apnea, from obesity and genetics to age, allergies, and sleeping position. Discover key risk factors and how some cases can be improved.
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What are sleep tracking rings?
Discover how sleep tracking rings monitor heart rate, oxygen, and sleep stages. Learn their accuracy, benefits, and role in understanding sleep apnea.
What equipment do you need for a home sleep study?
Learn which devices make home sleep studies possible, from airflow sensors to oximeters. See how HSAT kits detect sleep apnea comfortably at home.
9 Most common sleep apnea symptoms to look out for
Sleep apnea causes symptoms day and night — from loud snoring and gasping at night to morning headaches, dry mouth, and foggy thinking during the day. The most commonly reported signs include excessive daytime sleepiness, waking unrefreshed, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes. If you experience several of these regularly, it is worth getting tested.
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Only getting 4 hours of sleep a night: Side effects & consequences
Consistently sleeping only four hours a night is well below the seven to nine hours most adults need, and the effects compound over time. Short-term consequences include impaired focus, mood swings, and reduced reaction time. Long-term sleep deprivation raises the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Should you be keeping a sleep journal?
Learn what sleep journals track, how they reveal patterns in your habits, and why they’re a valuable tool for improving sleep health and talking to your doctor.
Can smart watches track sleep apnea?
Smart watches can monitor oxygen, heart rate, and sleep quality to reveal signs of apnea. Find out how reliable they are and when to consider clinical testing.
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Obstructive sleep apnea in adults: Symptoms, causes & solutions
Learn the key symptoms, causes, and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Discover treatment options and when to seek help for this common sleep disorder.
Which wearable sleep tracker is right for you?
Explore how wearable sleep trackers measure sleep quality, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Compare options and find out which device suits your lifestyle.
What is an at-home EEG sleep study?
An at-home EEG sleep study records brain wave activity during sleep using scalp electrodes, similar to what's done in a sleep lab. Unlike standard home sleep tests that measure breathing only, EEG-based studies can identify full sleep stages including REM — making them more accurate for diagnosing complex sleep disorders. They are typically ordered when a standard home sleep test hasn't provided enough data.
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Why am I always so tired in the morning?
Constant morning fatigue could signal lifestyle issues, medication side effects, or conditions like sleep apnea. Learn the common causes of hypersomnia and how to fix it.
8 Long-term consequences of sleep apnea
Untreated sleep apnea does more than disrupt sleep — it puts the heart, brain, and metabolic system under prolonged stress night after night. The most serious long-term risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cognitive decline including an increased risk of dementia. Early diagnosis and consistent treatment significantly reduce these risks.
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REM vs core vs deep sleep: Unpacking the different sleep cycles
Sleep cycles through four stages roughly every 90 minutes. Deep sleep (N3) is when the body repairs tissue and strengthens the immune system; REM sleep is when the brain consolidates memories and processes emotions; core sleep (N2) makes up the largest portion of the night. All stages matter — and sleep apnea disrupts them all, which is why untreated apnea leaves people exhausted regardless of how many hours they spend in bed.
Most common causes of daytime sleepiness
Chronic daytime sleepiness is most often caused by insufficient or poor-quality sleep — including undiagnosed sleep apnea, which fragments sleep without you knowing it. Other common causes include medications, mental health conditions like depression, circadian rhythm disruptions, and conditions such as hypothyroidism. Identifying the underlying cause is essential because the right treatment depends on what's driving it.
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Nighttime leg cramps may be a sign of something more
While the occasional nighttime leg cramp may be nothing to worry about, it could be a sign of something more serious: sleep apnea.
Waking up gasping for air? Sleep apnea may be to blame
While the occasional awakening gasping for air could be due to something simple like a bad dream, sleeping on your face, or nasal congestion, it’s also a common symptom of sleep apnea.
Waking up with headaches every morning? It could be hypoxia
While headaches can be caused by things like teeth grinding, dehydration, or sedatives, morning pains are a classic symptom of sleep apnea, a serious condition that can lead to long-term consequences without treatment.
What is AHI?
The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is the number of breathing disruptions per hour of sleep — the primary metric used to diagnose and grade sleep apnea severity. An AHI below 5 is normal; 5–14 is mild; 15–29 is moderate; 30 or above is severe. Your AHI is measured during a sleep study and determines which treatments your physician will recommend.
What is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale?
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is an eight-question self-assessment that measures how likely you are to doze off in everyday situations like reading, watching TV, or sitting in traffic. A score of 0–10 is considered normal; 11 or above suggests excessive daytime sleepiness that warrants medical evaluation. It's one of the first tools physicians use to screen for sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.
I’m drooling in my sleep, what’s wrong with me?
Drooling from time to time during sleep is normal, and saliva plays a crucial role in oral hygiene and digestion. However, if you’re suffering from frequent nighttime drooling, there may be an underlying issue to address.
What causes snoring?
Snoring happens when relaxed throat tissues partially block the airway during sleep, causing the familiar vibrating sound. The most common contributors include sleeping on your back, excess weight around the neck, alcohol before bed, nasal congestion, and anatomical factors like a narrow airway or enlarged tonsils. Loud, frequent snoring — especially with gasping or pauses in breathing — can be a sign of sleep apnea.
