Sleep Disorders Sleep occupies vital portions of a person’s life. Most people fall asleep at night with ease and wake up refreshed for the next day, but a large portion of the population is not getting their fair share of sleep. Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder, 95 percent of those are undiagnosed. Sleep disorders include:
- Sleep Apnea
- Nocturnal Seizures
- Heavy Snoring
- Sleep-wake Cycle disturbances
- Parasomnias (Night Terrors, Nightmares, and Sleepwalking)
- Narcolepsy
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- Nocturnal Periodic Limb Movements
You might benefit from the ICRH Sleep Center if you have chronic problems with falling asleep, staying asleep at night, staying awake during the day, excessive snoring or breathing disturbances.
The Sleep Study The sleep study requires only one night of sleeping in the laboratory. The Sleep Center consists of two rooms and is monitored by technologist to ensure that all sleep related activity is recorded for complete evaluation. The sleep study is painless, the specially trained technologist will apply sensors to the head, face, chest, abdomen, and legs. State-of-the-art equipment will monitor brain waves, eye movements, breathing and blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and muscle activity during sleep. These functions may be normal while the individuals are awake, but abnormal during sleep. The referring physician will receive a complete sleep report, which defines and diagnoses the sleep-rated problem and includes a recommended treatment plan.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Snoring is not always just a normal, annoying occurrence. Snoring may be a symptom of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea have pauses in breathing for 10 to 100 seconds during sleep. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience loud snoring, choking and gasping as they struggle to breathe again. These episodes may occur several times a night. People with sleep apnea may complain of excessive daytime sleepiness, which may cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times such as during work or while driving a motor vehicle. Sleep apnea, if left untreated, may lead to high blood pressure and has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Narcolepsy Many individuals fall asleep and have difficult remaining alert and awake during daily activities. These irresistible urges to sleep usually appear when people are in their teens and early twenties. Symptoms of narcolepsy include cataplexy (muscle weakness), hallucinations and paralysis on falling asleep or awakening in the morning.
Insomnia People with insomnia do not get a full night’s rest. People with a complaint of insomnia may have trouble falling sleep, staying asleep or awakening too early. For some individuals, insomnia begins with a particular emotional situation, but then they are unable to sleep normally after the situation has been resolved. A physiological problem may also cause disrupted sleep leading to a complaint of insomnia.
Insurance Sleep disorders are recognized medical conditions that are covered by many insurance companies. Since insurance varies, check with your provider regarding your specific plan.
Scheduling To schedule a sleep study, please call the ICRH Sleep Center at (580) 323-8318, if there is no answer please leave a message and someone will return your call promptly.
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