Common Sleep Disorder Questions

What is a sleep disorder?
Some 84 disorders of sleep and waking have been identified. These disorders include problems with snoring, stopping breathing during sleep, problems falling or staying asleep, problems staying awake or adhering to a consistent sleep/wake schedule, sleepwalking, bed wetting, nightmares or other problems that interfere with sleep. Some sleep disorders are potentially fatal.

What type of symptoms might indicate a sleep disorder?
If you feel excessively tired during the daytime, fall asleep at inappropriate times, snore loudly enough to annoy those around you, stop breathing or gasp for breath, kick your legs, or have difficulties falling asleep or maintaining sleep, you could have a sleep disorder.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
A combination of a visit to a sleep specialist, and an overnight study, will help confirm the diagnosis for a sleep disorder. Some disorders, such as insomnia, would not require an overnight stay. During the overnight stay, patients are continuously monitored during the night and the following measurements are taken: brain wave activity while awake and asleep, oxygen saturation levels, breathing patterns, EKG rate and rhythm, eye movements and muscle activity.

Should I make an appointment?
If you or a bed partner notice some of the above symptoms, or you feel sleepy or unrefreshed after sleep, we recommend you call for an appointment. Our specialists will be happy to review your symptoms to determine the type of help you may need

What Can Be Done About a Sleep Disorder?
Most of the sleep disorders mentioned can be effectively treated once they have been accurately diagnosed. Wide ranges of treatment exists for sleep disorders. Sleep patients may require long term treatment, easily administered by the family physician or the sleep specialist.