SLEEP DISORDERS

Could I Be Suffering From A Sleep Disorder?
The answer is YES!! In fact, 20-50% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of sleep disorder. The most common complaints include: excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, and/or difficulty remaining asleep (insomnia). Since we spend one-third of our lives asleep, it is easy to understand that disrupted sleep can greatly impair our ability to remain alert and function while awake. Sleep requirements vary among individuals. Adequate sleep, however, is the amount required to insure daytime alertness. Everyone has experienced an unpleasant day following a single night of poor sleep. Imagine the effects of sleeping poorly every night! Individuals suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness often perform poorly at work, and may fall asleep during conversations, meals, or while driving.

What Are Sleep Disorders?
Sleep disorders are disturbances of sleep and daytime alertness. the most common sleep disorders include: sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia.

• Sleep Apnea:
  Sleep apnea is a disturbance of sleep caused by repetitive interruptions hundreds of times each night. Sleep is greatly disrupted. Major organs including the heart and brain may be seriously deprived of oxygen. A great majority of these patients snore loudly and are observed by their bed partners to repetitively stop breathing during sleep. Associated conditions may include high blood pressure, morning headaches, depression, daytime sleepiness, and impotence. Many patients are overweight. The management of sleep apnea involves one or more of the following treatments: weight loss, surgery, medication, and Nasal CPAP (pressurized airflow applied through a mask over the nose to prevent interruptions in breathing).
• Narcolepsy:
  Narcolepsy afflicts over two hundred thousand Americans, causing excessive daytime sleepiness. Narcoleptics suffer from sudden muscle weakness associated with anger, excitement, or laughing; terrifying dreams upon falling asleep, and paralysis on falling asleep or awakening. Narcolepsy can be treated with a variety of medications.
• Insomnia:
  Insomnia is a symptom that may be caused by many conditions. Associated conditions may include psychiatric problems (depression, anxiety), situational stress related to work or family life, sleep apnea, and repetitive leg twitching and restlessness. Poor sleep habits and misuse/ overuse of sleeping pills also cause insomnia.

What Is a Sleep Study?
Sleep studies are usually performed on an outpatient basis to objectively assess sleep disturbances. The subject sleeps overnight in a comfortable hospital room attached to sophisticated equipment, while breathing, heart rhythm, body movement, and blood oxygen. Most subjects have no problem sleeping under these circumstances. An additional daytime study may also be necessary.

How Do I Know If I Need A Sleep Study?
Consult your physician if you have any of these symptoms suggestive of a sleep disorder. Your physician may refer you to the Rex Sleep Disorders Center for a comprehensive evaluation. All test results will be discussed with the patient. The referring physician will receive a written report or the test results and recommendations for therapy.