Sleep Disorders Laboratory Phone: 301-877-4600 SLEEP WELL
Patients with disorders of sleep and wakefulness require special attention. Our program offers patients convenience and comfort in a quiet, professional atmosphere.
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.
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:
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.
