Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a relatively common condition which may be found in people of any age. While asleep, muscles in the windpipe relax causing partial or complete blockage of airflow. The brain then stimulates activity causing a gasp of air and most times resulting in an awakening from sleep. This process may occur repeatedly causing frequent awakenings during the night. The result can be lower oxygen levels, increased strain on the heart and lungs, elevated blood pressure and poor quality sleep. People who have sleep apnea be unaware they have it but may exhibit mild to loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, headaches, irritability and dry mouth.

Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Leg Movements

When crawling into bed at night, is there a need to constantly move the legs around to alleviate a "creepy-crawly" sensation? If so, this may be restless leg syndrome (RLS). Those who suffer from RLS often have periodic leg movements (PLM's) throughout the night. PLM's are monitored throughout a sleep study. Leg muscles twitch, usually in the calves, often causing the brain to arouse and not allowing a deep sleep. In some cases there may be no sleep complaint or awareness of its occurrence. After being properly diagnosed, PLM’s are often easily treatable by means of medications.

Snoring

Snoring can be mild to extreme. Usually it tends to affect the bed partner more than the snorer. Some snoring can be nothing more than benign snoring, not affecting the sleeper's sleep patterns, Often though, snoring is the first sign of a more threatening sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. An overnight sleep study is essential for proper diagnosis and further treatment recommendations.

Oxygenation Problems

Chronic breathing problems or lung disease often can worsen during sleep. A complete evaluation is measured during a sleep study to monitor such problems.

Narcolepsy

Excessive drowsiness during the daytime with a tendency to fall asleep at inappropriate times may be defined as narcolepsy. Although it is fairly uncommon, it can drastically impact daily living and if undetected may be disabling. Narcolepsy usually emerges in young adulthood. Although there is yet no cure, narcolepsy can be treated by a proper diagnosis and medications.

Inability to Sleep at the Proper Time

Like many body processes, sleeping and waking are regulated by an internal biological clock. The normal sleep wake cycle may be interrupted by shift work, air travel, or poor sleep habits. This can cause insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Maintaining a sleep diary can help to properly diagnose the sleep/wake pattern disruption.

Other Sleep Disorders

Other sleep disorders may include nightmares and might terrors which are not age specific. They can be a sign of an unrecognized, underlying sleep disorder.

What Can Be Done?

Most sleep disorders can be effectively treated once a proper diagnosis has been made. These treatments vary depending upon the diagnosis. A recommendation by the sleep specialist for the proper treatment will be made to your physician.