Common Sleep Disorders Include the Following:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Snoring can be a symptom of a life-threatening disorder where a person actually stops breathing during sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) increases sleepiness during the day and
may contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke or even heart failure. Snoring indicates that the airway is not fully open. Sleep specialists are now able to diagnose and treat
breathing problems that interrupt sleep.
Chronic Insomnia:
Insomnia is not a disease, but a symptom of other medical or behavioral problems resulting in the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restful sleep. It can be caused by stress,
worry, excitement, anxiety or even depression. Most cases of insomnia are treatable. Many people are not aware that there is medical help for this condition.
Restless Leg Syndrome:
Persons with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) explain that they have "creepy, crawly" feelings in their legs while they are lying still or even sitting, particularly at bedtime. The constant need
to move their legs or stretch to try to get rid of these painful or discomforting feelings keeps them from falling asleep. Consequently, they are tired during the day and unable to function
normally. RLS is treated in our sleep center, ask your doctor about your options.
Narcolepsy:
Persons with narcolepsy fight overwhelming drowsiness while awake and often fall asleep at inappropriate moments during the day. This is a chronic sleep disorder with no known cause. Other
symptoms can include sleep paralysis, cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle function,) or even hallucinations of vivid dreamlike experiences while dozing off. Lifestyle changes or medications
are the standard treatments.
If you experience excessive sleepiness and/or difficulty in initiating and sustaining uninterupted sleep, an evaluation for a sleep study may be ordered by your family physician or a sleep
specialist.