Are you looking for information on a particular health concern?Sleep Disorders Lab
During a night sleep study, called a polysomnogram, electrodes are used to record sleep patterns, including brain, eye, and muscle activity. In addition; breathing patterns, heart rhythms, oxygen levels, and leg movements are studied. Once a thorough evaluation is completed, a course of treatment is decided based on the diagnosis and type of sleep problem.
Types of Sleep Disorders
There are two broad categories of sleep disorders: those that cause excessive daytime sleepiness, and those associated with difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep. Some disorders may cause both problems. The more common disorders are listed below.
Disorders of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Nocturnal Myoclonus
- Psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, drug and alcohol-related)
- Insufficient Sleep Syndrome
Disorders of Difficulty Initiating and Maintaining Sleep
- Psychophysiological Insomnia
- Inadequate sleep hygiene
- Central or Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Drug and alcohol-related disorders
- Medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart failure)
- Psychiatric disorders
Treatment Options
Once the cause of a sleep disorder has been identified, treatment can be prescribed that may help increase the amount or quality of your sleep. Among the options are surgery, medication, behavior modification, oral appliances and psychotherapy. Another highly effective and non-invasive treatment--often prescribed for sleep apnea--is continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. The CPAP device works like a pump to push air into the throat, holding it open and preventing the sporadic closure that characterizes sleep apnea.
Regardless of the diagnosis, all treatments are developed and prescribed with consideration of many factors, including your medical history and functional needs. Since a good night's sleep is actually an active state and is important for renewing mental and physical health each day--not just "time out" from daily life--our Sleep Disorders Center is committed to finding the right treatment for each individual, improving his or her health and overall quality of life. If left untreated, many disorders can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack, or stroke.