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SLEEP DISORDERS IN
GENERAL
The problem for millions of Americans is that they don’t
sleep well or in many cases are not aware they are not sleeping
well. This leads to numerous health related problems which
reach far beyond just feeling tired the next day. Although
there are over 80 known sleep disorders, the most common
by far, is sleep disordered breathing syndrome or sleep
apnea as it is commonly called. Others you may have heard
of are:
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Restless Legs Syndrome |
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Circadian Rhythm Disorders |
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Nocturnal Seizure Disorder |
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Sleep disorders can occur at
any age, including during a persons young adult life, while
others may begin
after menopause. Although some disorders like sleep apnea
occur more prevalently in males than females,
gender is typically not a determining factor. Physical symptoms
may include: |
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Sleep Disorders in general are
medical conditions that lead to a reduced quality of life
in many ways.
If you are experiencing any of the above described symptoms
please take a moment to complete a
simple confidential questionnaire
that will be analyzed by the expert staff at Sleep Management
Centers.
There is no charge for this and it could be the first step
to a better way of life.
DO YOU NEED A SLEEP STUDY?
There are a number of factors that will determine
if you need a sleep study. These include physical symptoms,
daytime sleepiness, cardiovascular condition, sleeping habits
or problems, body mass index, family history and an overall
feeling of wellness. Your physician can evaluate your need
for a sleep study during a history and physical or regular
office visit, usually using a standardized questionnaire.
WHY DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
Your physician can refer you directly for testing,
or you may call to schedule an appointment with one of our
Board Certified Sleep Medicine physicians. In either case,
a physician’s order is required for testing.
Along with your physician’s order, we will ask your
referring physician to send us a copy of your history and
physical including information about your primary complaint
or sleep problem (i.e., reason for the study). If you elect
to see one of our physicians, you will be scheduled for
a consultation where they will perform a history and physical,
and schedule you for any testing or evaluations necessary.
Not all sleep disorders require a sleep study for their
evaluation and/or treatment.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Depending on the results of your sleep study you
may be recommended for treatment. Not all sleep disorders
require medications. Some treatment recommendations may
include medications or changing your sleep “habits.”
The most common sleep disorder is a condition known as sleep
apnea or sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This is treated
with a device called PAP, short for Positive Airway Pressure.
There are three types of PAP devices; CPAP (Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure), Bi-Level PAP, and VPAP. Each device is
attached by way of a tube to your nose only, or your nose
and mouth. The style of “mask” that touches
your face will vary, as some may fit better for one individual
than another. CPAP has a steady flow of air which acts as
a "splint" to maintain an open airway. BI-Level
PAP and VPAP are more specialized machines for patients
who require a higher level of care. Specific recommendations
will be made by the Board Certified Sleep Specialist upon
review of your study.
In some cases, an oral appliance may be recommended as
a treatment option. This device is similar to a mouth guard
worn by athletes. The device either (depending on the brand)
works by pulling the mandible forward or restraining the
tongue so that it cannot fall back and block the airway.
An oral appliance is typically used to treat snoring or
mild to moderate sleep apnea. A follow-up sleep study with
the oral appliance worn is generally recommended to verify
it’s effectiveness in the treatment of sleep disordered
breathing.
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