Sleep Disorders

Symptoms of a sleep disorder

Do you have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep, and often find your body and mind are tired during the day? According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health, approximately 40 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. Symptoms of a sleep disorder include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Gasping for breath during sleep
• Hypertension
• Kicking during sleep
• Persistent loud snoring
• Restless sleep
• Trouble falling asleep

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be an indication that you need to see a sleep specialist. To learn more about our sleep center, please call one of our locations.

Sleep disorders we treat

We offer sleep disorder treatments for the following conditions:

• Insomnia — At least 15% of the population suffers from insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep). This condition can be caused by a number of medical or behavioral factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, alcohol, caffeine, drugs, or other habits.
• Narcolepsy — Narcolepsy is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable bouts of excessive sleepiness. Patients with narcolepsy may lose muscular strength suddenly when emotionally upset or when laughing. In addition, they may experience vivid hallucinations as they fall asleep.
• Restless leg syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder — Symptoms of this disorder include uncomfortable sensations in the legs near sleep time, leading to an irresistible need to move the legs, resulting in interference with sleep. Legs and arms may move or jerk involuntarily during sleep. Patients with this disorder may experience excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or both.
• Sleep apnea —  Often associated with loud snoring or gasping for breath, sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness. This can lead to memory problems, depression, and cognitive difficulties. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and is associated with a higher incidence of heart attack and stroke.

Should you require care for another sleep disorder not listed above, our sleep specialists will work diligently to ensure you receive the expert care you need to get a good night’s sleep again.

Inspire therapy for sleep apnea

The ear nose and throat specialists at Hillcrest South offer Inspire sleep apnea therapy— an alternative to CPAP machine use.  Inspire is a breakthrough treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where your airway repeatedly closes during sleep, causing snoring and poor rest. Unlike a CPAP machine, Inspire works inside your body to keep your airway open. 

Inspire is a small device placed under the skin during a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It monitors your breathing while you sleep and gently stimulates a nerve that controls your tongue, helping to keep your airway open  There is no mask or hose involved, so you’ll simply breathe normally. Inspire offers significant reduction in sleep apnea events, improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and better daytime energy. Please call us to learn more about Inspire.

About our sleep studies

The sleep test most patients undergo at our sleep clinic is called a polysomnogram. This test determines whether there are any abnormalities in your quality of sleep, including breathing abnormalities or limb movements. In most cases, the test is performed during a 10-12 hour overnight period.

Your study will be conducted in one of our sleep study bedrooms, which are designed to be quiet and comfortable, with televisions and all the comforts of your own bedroom or a nice hotel room. These homelike rooms help our patients feel comfortable during their sleep study.

To schedule a sleep study, please obtain a physician’s referral first, then call one of our locations.

Learn More About Sleep Disorders at These Hillcrest Hospitals

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