Sleep Disorders
Digg
Del.icio.us
Yahoo
Google
Newsvine
Do you suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness? Is snoring a problem? Do you wake up several times during the night without knowing why? These symptoms could be a warning signal. You may be one of the 40 million Americans who suffer from a sleep disorder.
The Sleep Disorders Laboratory at Central Florida Regional Hospital is dedicated to diagnosing and treating sleep-related disorders, all of which directly affect an individual’s daily lifestyle.
The center offers patients the latest technology in diagnostic equipment; techniques to monitor and evaluate sleep disorders; and a warm, comfortable environment with similar amenities to those you have at home.
In the security of a monitored bedroom, a formally trained technologist observes patients throughout the night using an advanced computerized monitoring system to track breathing patterns, brainwaves, heart rate, eye and limb movements and sounds of the sleeping patient.
Waking Up To A Sleep Disorder
There are a variety of sleep disorders that can be discovered through the evaluation of symptoms. The first step to combating a sleep disorder is recognizing the symptoms. It is important to note that the severity of each patient’s condition can vary greatly from person to person. When warning signs and symptoms as well as biological and environmental risk factors are identified, the Sleep Disorders Laboratory at Central Florida Regional Hospital can play an important role in developing a personal treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
As with most conditions, advances in diagnosis generally lead to successful treatment programs. Some of the most common sleep disorders that can easily be diagnosed at the Sleep Disorders Laboratory include the following:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is basically an interrupted breathing pattern during sleep. It can occur as many as several hundred times per night, causing a lack of oxygen and resulting in poor quality sleep. Fluctuations in blood pressure and serious heart abnormalities are just two of the major problems brought on by this condition. In most cases, Sleep Apnea intensifies with age and weight gain.
Narcolepsy
More than just occasional daytime sleepiness this condition is defined by frequent attacks of drowsiness and sleep throughout the day. These "sleeping spells" are uncontrollable. Symptoms may include signs of muscle weakness when angry, surprised or amused. Persons diagnosed with Narcolepsy may have terrifying dreams, upon waking, hallucinations and/or sleep paralysis as they fall asleep.
Nocturnal Myoclonus
Characterized by fragmented sleep, patients suffering from nocturnal myoclonus usually experience spastic leg movements during sleep. Symptoms may include a "crawling" sensation in the calves, insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.
Insomnia
Insomnia is best described as difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. The reasons for insomnia are varied. Many include psychological factors, such as stress or depression; environmental factors such as noise; or physiological factors which could include difficulty in breathing or physical pain. In addition, insomnia is frequently caused by the misuse of sleeping aids or alcohol.
Parasomnias
These disorders can masquerade as bedwetting (enuresis), night terrors, sleepwalking and sleeptalking because they occur at random times during the night. It is important to distinguish nocturnal seizures from other sleep disorders.
Admission Procedures
Since it’s usually best to seek the advice of your family physician before undergoing any type of medical treatment, you will need to be referred by a doctor to access the Sleep Disorders Laboratory at Central Florida Regional Hospital.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose a sleep disorder, it’s common to take part in an overnight sleep evaluation (polysomnogram).
A polysomnogram is a painless, non-invasive monitoring procedure performed in a private, homelike setting.
While you sleep, specially trained technologists in an adjacent room record your brain waves, eye movement, heart rate, muscle activity, breathing patterns, oxygen level and body positions.
The information from the polysomnogram is analyzed and interpreted by a physician specially trained in treating sleep related disorders. A diagnosis from the Sleep Disorders Laboratory at Central Florida Regional Hospital is an accepted medical procedure covered by most insurances.
A Good Night’s Sleep
Don’t let sleep disorders keep you, or your family awake. The good news is that sleep disorders are usually easily treated. The Sleep Disorders Laboratory can develop an individual treatment program designed specifically for you.
For more information on the Sleep Laboratory, consult your physician or call (407) 833-7526 (from West Volusia: 668-4441) extension 5400.