Memorial Hospital - Sleep Disorders

Sleep, a vital component to good health, makes up approximately one third of our lives.

A good night of sleep is essential to the restoration of our mind and body each and everyday. More than 70 million Americans suffer from one or more sleep disorders, some of which can be fatal. Astonishingly, it is estimated that 95% of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated. For these victims the night is a source of anguish, not rest. Untreated sleep disorders can have serious consequences. There are more than 80 sleep/wake disorders resulting in daytime sleepiness due to an inability to either fall asleep or maintain restful sleep. These disorders result in a significant number of health problems, traffic accidents, industrial accidents, heart failures and deaths.

The statistics related to sleep problems in America are staggering. It is estimated that more than 20 million people have sleep apnea. Over 40% of people have had some form of insomnia. More than 20% of people report using prescription and/or over-the-counter medications to help them sleep. Over 40% of adults report they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities. In fact, 1 out of every 3 Americans regularly fails to get a good night's sleep.

Proper diagnosis is the essential first step in the successful treatment of sleep disorders. A polysomnogram (PSG), or sleep study, is the most accurate and objective method for evaluating sleep and establishing a diagnosis. A sleep study is a non-invasive recording of sleep patterns that monitors activities of the heart, brain, muscle movement, airflow, and oxygen levels in the blood. There are additional tests that work in conjunction with polysomnograms such as Multiple Sleep Latency Tests (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Tests (MWT). These diagnostic examinations are utilized to evaluate patients who report falling asleep at abnormal and sometimes dangerous times. These incidences may occur with or without warning during the day, while driving, working, eating or talking.

If you can relate to any of the symptoms below you should schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss your options and see if a sleep study is what you need. If a sleep study is ordered, you can have your study done here in Seward at Memorial Health Care Systems.

Sleep disorders may include:

Sleep Apnea: Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that usually occurs when the upper respiratory tract collapses and blocks the passage of air during sleep. People with sleep apnea may stop breathing for up to a minute at a time, as frequently as several hundred times during the night. The result is disrupted, restless sleep and a reduced intake of oxygen. Left untreated, apnea can contribute to serious and costly cardiovascular and neurological problems including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Symptoms:

Insomnia: Insomnia is difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Insomnia is the most common sleep-related complaint and can be caused by a number of factors including stress, depression, stimulants, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, changes in sleep environment or schedule. Sleep studies are generally suggested when another sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or apnea is contributing to or causing the insomnia. Chronically acquiring too little sleep can lead to serious health problems and a significantly decreased quality of life. For this reason, it is essential to determine the underlying causes of insomnia and provide solutions.

Symptoms:

Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is the tendency to become drowsy or fall asleep at inappropriate times and places. These sleep attacks may occur during the day with or without warning. A person with narcolepsy may fall asleep while driving, working, eating or talking. This irresistible urge to sleep can happen repeatedly in a single day.

Symptoms:

Restless Leg Syndromes: RLS is the occurrence of uncomfortable or painful leg sensations while the body is at rest. These unpleasant sensations are described as creeping, crawling, pulling, tingling, numbness, muscle contractions or leg cramps. There may be an irresistible urge to move legs or "walk it off". Many victims of RLS experience a similar disorder called Periodic Limb Movement (PLM) which involves jerking or bending leg movements during sleep.

Symptoms:

Parasomnias: A parasomnias is a disruptive, undesirable behavior that occurs either exclusively during sleep or is exaggerated by sleep. The victim of parasomnias may or may not be aware of these experiences.

Symptoms:

Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Circadian rhythm is the fluctuation of sleep-wake states. This fluctuation is generally linked to the 24-hour, daily dark/light cycle. Circadian Rhythm Disruption occurs when a person's work schedule conflicts with their biological clock. Many of these individuals have difficulty sleeping during the day and staying alert on the job at night. This often results in chronic sleep loss.

Symptoms:

 

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