The Sleep Disorders Center
Fulfilling the dream of a good night's sleep.

The Sleep Disorders Center at Skyline Medical Center offers a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Registered technologists and therapists use the latest in state-of-the-art equipment to monitor your sleep. Certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the center offers a home-like atmosphere designed to make you feel as comfortable as possible during sleep evaluation.

Our Physicians are certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine and provide a thorough medical assessment which can help identify the source of sleep related problems. In many cases, proper evaluation and treatment can help you return to a normal sleeping pattern, eliminating the stress, anxiety and other difficulties associated with sleep disorders.

Sleep Disorders
Sleep is vital to our well-being.  Research shows that an adequate amount of quality sleep is essential for overall good health. Sleep disorders are often not taken seriously enough.

Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness may be warning signs of conditions that may cause accidents due to daytime sleepiness or of high blood pressure which increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Loss of sex drive may also be a symptom of sleep disorders. The most common sleep disorders and their warning signs are summarized below.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Everyone snores occasionally. However, persistent snoring can not only be an annoyance; it can be a symptom of a serious problem called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep and sufferers waken frequently, though they may not be aware of it.  Because their nights are so restless, they spend their days feeling tired, but don't know the reason why.  Those with sleep apnea may snore loudly and choke and gasp as they struggle to breathe.  Left untreated, sleep apnea can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and can even lead to high blood pressure which can cause other serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke.

Other Sleep Disorders
Many other medical problems may impact sleep or may be affected by sleep disorders. If you have heart or lung disease and poor sleep, you should consider discussing this with your doctor or arranging for an evaluation by the Skyline Sleep Disorders Center staff physicians.

Insomnia
Insomnia is the ability to sleep and/or abnormal wakefulness. Symptoms may include:

• Depression or Stress
• Disturbing thoughts while trying to sleep
• Waking during the night with a difficulty going back to sleep
• Lying awake for more than half an hour before falling asleep

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a condition marked by an uncontrollable desire for sleep, or sudden attacks of weakness occurring during moments of strong emotions. Related symptoms and warning signs include:

• Vivid nightmares or hallucinations when falling asleep or waking up
• Paralysis when falling asleep or awakening
• A feeling of "going limp" when angry or surprised
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Disturbed or fragmented sleep

Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep and "Restless Legs" Syndrome
These conditions marked by involuntary muscle contractions of the legs or arms during sleep. Symptoms may include:

• Muscle tension in legs
• Kicking at night
• Crawling sensations in legs
• Daytime sleepiness

Parasomnias
Most common examples:

• Sleepwalking or sleeptalking
• Severe nightmares/tremors
• Sleep terrors
• Teethgrinding
• Bedwetting

Treatment
Treatment of sleep disorders may involve something as simple as learning to sleep in a different position, losing weight or wearing a mouthpiece at night.  Sometimes learning better sleep habits can be very helpful.  Other treatments include medication, wearing a nasal mask at night or surgery.

Insurance
Sleep disorders are recognized medical conditions and testing is covered by most medical plans.  Check with your provider about your specific coverage.

For more information on sleep disorders or to find out more information about The Sleep Disorders Center at Skyline Medical Center, call (615)-769-4280