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Symptoms of sleep disorders
The most common symptoms of a sleep disorder are consistent nighttime awakening; snoring or choking while sleeping; excessive daytime fatigue; feeling tired even after a long rest; frequent daytime napping; falling asleep at inappropriate times; and difficulty in falling asleep or maintaining sleep. Unlike temporary fatigue, the symptoms of a sleep disorder are persistent and more severe. Patients who may be suffering from a sleep disorder should observe their sleep schedules and habits, noting if they are having difficulty concentrating or making decisions, experiencing drowsiness when they drive, or if they are feeling moody and irritable with others. Maintaining a sleep diary for several weeks is often recommended prior to visiting the Hamot Sleep Center.
Common sleep disorders
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disorder of the body’s central nervous system in which messages from the brain regarding when to sleep are blocked or received at the wrong time. Narcolepsy is marked by excessive daytime sleepiness with a tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate times. It affects approximately one in every 2,000 people, with the majority experiencing the onset of symptoms between the ages of 15 to 30.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. In its most common form, the sleeper experiences brief episodes when air cannot flow into or out of the nose or mouth despite efforts to continue to breathe. In a given night the number of involuntary pauses in breathing can be as high as 20 to 60 per hour. These interruptions in breathing are typically accompanied by snoring. Sleep apnea may be associated with irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
Insomnia
Insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans, with 58 percent of adults in the U.S. experiencing the symptoms of insomnia a few nights a week or more. Short-term insomnia is often due to a temporary situation such as stress or a change in or loss of a job or a relationship, and is treatable with medications. Long-term or chronic insomnia can have underlying medical, physical or psychological causes and is a risk factor for the onset of depression.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are conditions that interrupt sleep and are conditions that interrupt sleep and are caused by difficulties with sleep stage transitions. Sleepwalking, nightmares, bedwetting and restless leg syndrome (RLS) are common parasomnias.
Diagnosing sleep disorders
The Hamot Sleep Center performs polysomnography to diagnose sleep disorders. Conducted as the patient sleeps in one of our private, comfortable bedrooms, polysomnographic testing includes the monitoring of blood pressure, eye movements, brain waves and heart rate. When used in conjunction with a patient sleep log or diary, Hamot sleep specialists can pinpoint the specific sleep disorder that is affecting the patient and develop an individualized treatment plan. Polysomnography and subsequent treatment are covered by most insurance plans.
Extending your treatment at home
Treatment of a particular sleep disorder may require home care therapy and equipment that will be coordinated through the Hamot Sleep Center staff. In-home services include training in the use of sleep therapy equipment, set-up and follow-up maintenance, explanations of insurance coverage and 24/7 support and answers to all patient questions.
For more information
If you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, ask your physician for information about the Hamot Sleep Center, or contact us directly at (814) 877-3815
