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BETTER HEALTH
Could You Have a Sleep Disorder?
INTEGRIS Health’s Sleep Disorders Centers offer the help you need to have restful nights again.

Photo of a woman sleeping
Do you feel depressed? Are you tired or sleepy during the day? Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.

“Sleep disorders are very common in both adults and children, and may lead to many other significant health problems,” says Jonathan Schwartz, M.D.

Schwartz is the medical director of the Sleep Disorders Centers of Oklahoma. The sleep program is offered at both INTEGRIS Baptist and Southwest Medical Centers. The INTEGRIS Sleep Disorders Centers are the only accredited sleep centers in metro Oklahoma City and the surrounding area.

“We have the staff to care for patients, from evaluation through follow-up. A patient’s sleep study is conducted, reviewed and evaluated on site. The results are then immediately sent to the referring physician,” explains Schwartz. “Other sleep facilities in Oklahoma City may send their tests as far as India and Canada to be scored. We do all of our work here at the Sleep Disorders Centers.”

Sleep apnea is a very common disorder that affects about 20 million Americans, according to Schwartz. About 80 percent of those suffering from the disorder remain undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is characterized by snoring, irregular breathing and recurrent blockage of the throat at night. People with sleep apnea have disturbed sleep and frequently report daytime fatigue, sleepiness or depression.

Sleep apnea increases the risk of:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Stroke
  • Impotence
  • Weight gain
  • Sudden death.

Schwartz says sleep apnea can be easily diagnosed and treated, which results in improvement in daytime alertness and quality of life, and decreases fatality risks.

The most common sleep complaint is insomnia, which is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It is often associated with depression, anxiety and poor quality of life. The lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems.

“Insufficient sleep can decrease immunity, increase the risk of obesity and pose mental health issues,” warns Schwartz.

Insomnia may result for many reasons, including:

  • Overuse of medications
  • Emotional difficulties
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Jet lag
  • Shift work
  • Periodic leg movements
  • Stress
  • Sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy (or daytime sleepiness) is another sleep disorder. The condition is characterized by overwhelming sleepiness that is never completely relieved by any amount of sleep. An estimated one person in 2,000 is affected.

Narcolepsy symptoms include:

  • Constant overwhelming sleepiness
  • A sudden loss of muscle control triggered by anger, laughter or surprise
  • Vivid dreams that occur when going to sleep, waking up or during naps
  • An inability to move upon waking.

Photo of a woman yawning

Do You Have a Sleep Disorder?
I’m told I snore.
Yes No

I’m told I have irregular breathing when I sleep.
Yes No

I’m tired or sleepy during the day, although I slept the previous night.
Yes No

I have come close to falling asleep while driving.
Yes No

I’m told I am a restless sleeper.
Yes No

I make frequent bathroom trips.
Yes No

I have high blood pressure.
Yes No

I often awake with headaches and/or dry mouth.
Yes No

I am losing/have lost my sex drive.
Yes No

When I’m hungry, surprised or when I laugh, I feel a sudden loss of muscle control.
Yes No

I have experienced vivid dreamlike scenes of falling asleep or awakening.
Yes No

Sometimes I feel unable to move when I’m waking up or falling asleep.
Yes No

It takes 30 minutes or more for me to fall asleep.
Yes No

Thoughts race through my mind when I’m trying to go to sleep.
Yes No

I wake up during the night and can’t go back to sleep.
Yes No

I feel sad or depressed most of the time.
Yes No

The muscles in my legs are tense, even when I’m relaxed.
Yes No

I’m told that I kick at night.
Yes No

I have aching or crawling sensations in my legs.
Yes No

I have leg pain at night.
Yes No

If you answered YES to two or more questions, you may have a serious sleep disorder.

For more information, call the Sleep Disorders Centers of Oklahoma, 1-888-53-SLEEP.



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3300 N.W. Expressway,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
(405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277

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