Sleep is an often undervalued but precious commodity. Without the right amount and kind of sleep, your health and well being may be severely undermined. Yet, according to the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA), as many as 70 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder.
Help is available at SRMC. While you sleep in one of our two plush bedrooms complete with queen-size beds, our state-of-the-art digital equipment will monitor your sleep. Our qualified staff includes registered polysomnographic technicians and board certified sleep physicians. A diagnostic sleep study will assess the amount and type of sleep you are getting and the physical parameters will be used to determine what is actually interrupting your sleep. Our Sleep Disorders Center can accommodate people with special needs, including those in wheelchairs, those who need handicapped bathroom facilities, those who sleep in recliners or hospital beds, and much more.
Defining common disorders
Approximately 84 types of sleep disorders exist. According to the ASD, these conditions can lead to compromised work performance, loss of concentration, accidents, mood swings, restless nights and other medical problems. Some of the most common disorders treated at our Sleep Disorders Center include:
-Sleep Apnea: This is a disorder characterized by frequent periods of interrupted breathing. This disorder may be caused by a blockage of the airway or a malfunction in the part of the brain that controls breathing during sleep. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, morning headaches, high blood pressure, excessive daytime sleepiness/tiredness, dryness of the mouth upon awakening and personality and mood changes.
-Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): This condition is characterized by a creeping-crawling sensation in the calves when sitting or lying still, and most often at bedtime. Periodic limb movement causes leg or arm jerks during sleep. It can happen every few seconds, and you may not be aware of it.
-Narcolepsy: This condition causes sudden and uncontrollable "sleep attacks." These attacks may come at any time, even while working, driving, talking or eating. Symptoms may also include excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis upon awakening and sudden muscle weakness during emotional situations.
-Parasomnias: This is a group of behaviors or experiences that occur only, or most often, during sleep. Examples include sleep walking, night terrors, nightmares, bed-wetting and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or "acting out" dreams.
Monitoring your sleep
An overnight study in one of our plush bedroom settings may be recommended. A sleep technologist will attach electrodes to the skin which allows the technologist to monitor eye and body movements, heart rate, brain activity, oxygen levels and breathing. In an adjoining room, these functions are monitored on a computer screen. An infrared camera and microphone allow for visual and sound observation as well.
When the study is complete, our board certified sleep physician will interpret the results. Depending on the diagnosis, your physician may recommend one or more of the following treatments: CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure; positional therapy; sleep hygiene education; medication; counseling; light therapy; dental appliances; laser surgery or other treatments.
At Sebastian River Medical Center, our sleep specialists are here to help you rest better. For more information or to set up a tour, call 772.581.5655.
External Links
Narcolepsy
Parasomnia
Restless Leg Syndrome
Sleep Apnea