Although we spend one-third of our lives asleep, most of us know little about the sleep process. As a result, we judge the quality of our sleep based on social perceptions involving five stages of physiologically different needs, cycles and sequences.

The maintenance of physical and psychological well-being is dependent on restful nighttime sleep. 

Evaluation• Sleep Problems• Disorders

Sleep Evaluation

A sleep evaluation begins with a detailed sleep and wakefulness history and a neurological examination. A patient may then be asked to monitor his or her sleep and nap schedules by keeping a diary.  This may be followed by an overnight sleep study (polysomnogram) to observe and record nighttime sleep patterns. Daytime wakefulness may be evaluated with a multiple sleep latency test – a reproducible, scientific measure of sleepiness. With this information, a definitive diagnosis may be reached and an appropriate treatment plan developed.

Our treatment philosophy integrates a multi-disciplinary, scientific approach to identifying sleep/wake disorders, employing patient education, behavioral modification, judicious use of pharmacotherapy, mechanical devices, pulmonary, otolaryngological and psychological consultation when needed.

In the Laboratory for Sleep Disorders, patients receive a comprehensive sleep evaluation with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, provided by a specially trained staff in a quiet
atmosphere.



Sleep Problems

Numerous factors can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle, including:

Intrinsic Sleep Disorders
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Periodic Leg Movements During Sleep
• Narcolepsy
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
• Insomnia

Circadian Rhythm Disturbances
• Alterations In The Timing Of Sleep

Disorders Associated With Sleep
• Sleepwalking
• Dream Enactment Behavior
• (Rem Behavioral Disorder)
• Sleep Paralysis
• Bruxism

Concurrent Medical And Psychiatric Disorders
• Nocturnal Headaches
• Seizure Disorders
• Esophageal Reflux
• Fibromyalgia
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Alcohol, Drug Dependency


Disorders

Adults, adolescents and the elderly with sleep/wake complaints may benefit from a sleep evaluation.  Adolescents and the elderly are particularly neglected groups, with sleep problems frequently dismissed as “normal for that age.”

Symptoms of disorders include:
• daytime sleepiness
• loud snoring
• breathing disturbance during sleep
• restless legs
• sleep onset difficulties
• multiple nighttime awakenings
• early morning arousal
• unconventional timing of sleep
• dangerous or violent nocturnal behavior
• sleep walking or sleep talking
• nocturnal muscle aches and pains
• early morning headaches

Sleep disorders may also be related to depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and marital discord.