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| What's New in.…….Sleep |
What are sleep disorders?
Most people do not recognize that sleep is an active
state that is essential for mental and physical revitalization, not merely a
break from every day life. More than 110 million Americans of all ages do not
get a sufficient night's sleep.
There are currently
about 100 classified sleep disorders that potentially harm personal health and
quality of life. In addition, individuals who are unable to sleep, or who are
excessively sleepy can contribute to traffic and industrial accidents.
Sleep disorders can be identified by some or all of the following signs
and symptoms:
- Insomnia - problems falling asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Sleep apnea - A potentially life-threatening
disorder that causes an irregularity in breathing during sleep. This disorder
may contribute to high blood pressure, excessive sleepiness, cardiac
dysfunction, and heart failure. Loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness
may be symptoms of sleep apnea.
- Snoring
- Adherence to a consistent sleep/wake schedule.
- Sleep walking
- Nightmares
- Nocturnal myoclonus - disturbed sleep caused by
kicking and irregular leg movements
How are sleep disorders
diagnosed?
First, a
consultation with a board certified sleep specialist is arranged. This
consultation includes a complete history and physical exam, and it allows the
doctor to collect all of the pertinent information and facts about your sleep
patterns.
If testing is recommended, a sleep study will be arranged
to record data about your sleep study and breathing patterns.
What is a sleep
study?
Under the direction
of our board certified sleep specialist, the study is conducted by one of our
highly qualified technicians who record the patient's brain waves, eye
movements, muscle tone, limb movements, heart activity, oxygen levels, and
breathing during one or two nights' sleep.
A nighttime study will not
only show whether you suffer from a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, but
also how severe the problem is, which is information that influences your
treatment.
The sleep study, or polysomnogram, is painless and it can
be done either in the privacy of your home or in our private, state-of-the-art
sleep center. Hospitalization is neither necessary nor required.
What treatments might be
used?
Treatments for sleep
disorders may include medication, devices to aid in breathing, light therapy,
and specific changes in diet and lifestyle.
How can I find out more?
For more information, please contact us at either of our
offices, or at the
Sleep Disorders Center of New Jersey.
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