Struggling With Sleep?

Dream On! 

Is your sleep schedule completely out of sync? If you’ve been feeling constantly fatigued and want to improve your sleep quality, it might be time to visit a doctor and get checked for possible sleep disorders.

 

Sleep… If you’re like me, you’ve probably had sleep troubles for years. Stress from work and everyday life can make it even harder to get proper rest. I’ve personally struggled with sleep issues since high school, but this year, I made a resolution to take my sleep health seriously. Poor sleep quality can affect multiple aspects of your life, including:

 

*Heart health

*Brain function and cognitive performance

*Overall well-being, reducing risks of conditions like diabetes

 

So, if you’re feeling exhausted all the time, it might not just be a “lack of sleep”—it could be something more serious like sleep apnea.

 

Finding a Doctor for Sleep Apnea in Japan

Finding the Right Fit!

When looking for a clinic, I was quite picky. I initially wanted to go to a specialized sleep clinic, but I quickly found out that many of these clinics require fluent Japanese. Most of them don’t accept non-Japanese speakers because they need to explain medical details thoroughly, and any miscommunication could be a liability.

 

Since my Japanese proficiency isn’t at a high enough level, I opted for an English-speaking clinic instead. I highly recommend choosing a doctor who speaks your native language to ensure you fully understand their explanations and treatment recommendations. After searching, I decided to visit Osaka Lee Clinic, which offers services in English, Chinese, French, and more.

 

Reserving a Sleep Apnea Test in Japan

Making a reservation at Osaka Lee Clinic was incredibly easy. All I had to do was call and pick a date and time—morning or afternoon. Simple and hassle-free! If you’re worried about a language barrier, this clinic is a great option since they have multilingual staff.

 

Doctor’s Visit: Getting Checked for Sleep Apnea in Japan

Hey, What’s Up Doc?

 

When I arrived at the clinic, the check-in process was smooth. I handed in my health insurance card, filled out a form about my medical history and concerns, and then waited to be called. In Japan, wait times can range from 1 to 2 hours, so bring a book or something to keep yourself entertained.

 

Once called in, a nurse took my blood pressure, and then I met with the doctor. He was incredibly kind and spoke fluent English since he studied abroad. We had a great conversation about his background before diving into my concerns about this condition.

 

He gave me two options:

• A hospital sleep apnea test (requires staying overnight in a facility)
• A take-home sleep study (monitored at home over multiple nights)

 

I opted for the take-home sleep study since it was more convenient. Additionally, I asked to have blood work done to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as I also struggle with fatigue and brain fog. ((Always check your vitamin and mineral levels if you feel constantly tired!))

Take-Home Sleep Apnea Test? How It Works!

 

Using the sleep apnea test machine was super easy. Before sleeping, you need to:

1)Attach the finger monitor – This measures oxygen levels and heart rate.

2)Put on the nasal breathing tube – This tracks airflow and snoring.

3)Secure everything with tape to prevent movement during sleep.

4)Turn the machine on – Press the power button, then hold the green “record” button for three seconds until it beeps. Once it starts recording, just go to bed!

~~~The machine automatically stops recording after nine hours.

If you mess up one night, don’t worry! The device allows up to three nights of recording to ensure accurate results.

 

Counting Sheep! My Experience ~

Since I was going through a stressful time, my sleep pattern was all over the place. I found it difficult to get enough rest, but I did my best to follow the test instructions properly.

 

Aftermath!

 

A week later, I returned to the clinic to drop off the sleep test machine and get my results. A few days later I went back and the doctor explained my results to me. The doctor told me that my results came back normal—meaning, luckily, I don’t have sleep apnea!

 

Additionally, my blood work came back normal, so my fatigue wasn’t due to any major deficiencies. Instead, the doctor recommended ways to improve my sleep quality:

 

*Reduce blue light exposure before bedtime

*Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

*Aim for 7–9 hours of rest each night

*Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet

 

Since my sleep habits are inconsistent, I know I had to put in more effort and try to do better to get better quality sleep. The doctor also prescribed melatonin, which is only available through prescription in Japan.

 

Dozing Off? Alternative Sleep Doctors For You!

I recommend Osaka Lee Clinic just because the staff is always so kind and funny when I visit. I don’t know what it is, but every time I go to a doctor’s office, I always get along really well with the staff. When I talked with the nurses, they were always in very good-spirited. Minus the wonderful staff, it was also just easier because they speak English. 

 

Happy Sleeping!

 

If you’re struggling with sleep problems and suspect you might have sleep apnea or another disorder, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Sleep quality is crucial for your health, and simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.

I hope this article helps anyone in Japan dealing with similar issues. If you’ve been experiencing chronic fatigue, brain fog, or difficulty sleeping, definitely consider getting tested. 

I also wrote about my experience getting my ears cleaned in Japan—check it out here: An Ear-resistable Time: Getting My Ears Cleaned in Japan.

Wishing you restful nights and sweet dreams!

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