Common Sleep Disorders

A restful night’s sleep is important for the quality of life, health and wellness. It is essential that you are achieving consistent quality rest each night. If you are one of many American’s impacted by sleep-related issues, you are not alone!

Sleep-related difficulties affect many people. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing any of the following common sleep disorders or issues, please contact us today. It is important to receive an evaluation by one of our qualified Sleep staff.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Circadian Rhythm Disorders include a variety of disorders of the sleep-wake cycle. This desynchronization can cause issues such as jet lag syndrome, delayed and advanced sleep phase syndrome (waking or sleeping at undesired times) and shift-work sleep disorder.

What is Circadian Rhythm Disorder?

Individuals with Circadian Rhythm Disorders can experience:

Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty staying or maintaining sleep
Nonrestorative or non-restful sleep
Daytime fatigue
Poor concentration
Decreased cognitive skills and processing

Treatment can include sleep hygiene education, lifestyle changes, and bright light therapy. Issues are able to be resolved as the body clock realigns itself. Our team at Stephens County Hospital can help diagnose and recommend therapy to your physician to treat Circadian Rhythm Disorders.

Insomnia

Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. This disorder can range from mild to chronic in its intensity.

Causes of Insomnia vary and include sleep disturbances triggered by shift-work, poor bedtime habits, stress, life-changing circumstances or mental or physical illnesses.

Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause of insomnia. For example, if the cause of insomnia is anxiety, a combination of medication and psychotherapy may be in order. If the cause is something physical, such as gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), medications or lifestyle changes may be recommended.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from insomnia, contact us today to learn more about our Diagnostic Sleep Studies.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations (dreamlike images that occur at sleep onset), and brief episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis precipitated by strong emotion, such as laughter or surprise. Patients experience uncontrollable sleep attacks during inappropriate occasions.

Currently, there is no known cure for narcolepsy. However, symptoms can usually be managed through medication, behavioral treatment, and management of the patient’s environment.

Our team of Sleep Therapists can work to diagnose narcolepsy and provide options for managing this sleep disorder.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition characterized by excessive snoring. This sleep disorder involves the frequent collapse of the breathing passageway during sleep, with partial or complete blockage resulting.

Corrective treatment may include sleep-position training, lifestyle changes, oral appliances that keep the airway open at night, and/or a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) device that uses air pressure to splint the airway open during sleep.

Our team of Respiratory Therapists can help you or your loved one treat Obstructive sleep apnea. The Stephens County Diagnostic Sleep lab will provide results to help you achieve a more restful night sleep.

Parasomnias

Parasomnias are disruptive phenomena that occur during sleep or are exaggerated by sleep. These include stomach acid reflux syndrome, nocturnal asthma, sleepwalking/talking, and nightmares.

Parasomnias occur most often in children and are a cause for alarm only if the behaviors are violent or may cause injury, are disturbing to other household members or result in excessive daytime sleepiness.

In adults, these disorders can arise from other conditions such as sleep apnea. The course of treatment depends on the diagnosed underlying cause.

If you or a loved one experiences this phenomenon, please contact our Respiratory team at Stephens County Hospital to learn more about sleep testing.

Restless Legs Syndrome

This condition is marked by crawling or tingling sensations in the legs while awake and an irresistible urge to move the legs during rest. After ruling out any possible underlying causes such as diabetes, doctors may prescribe lifestyle changes and/or medication. This syndrome is frequently associated with periodic leg twitches during sleep, which may disrupt or fragment sleep.

Learn more about how our Stephens County Hospital team can help you manage your restless leg syndrome. Contact us today.