Symptoms and Disorders Often Associated with Sleep Disorders

There are many symptoms that may indicate sleep problems and medical disorders associated with irregular sleep:

• Habitual snoring coupled with restless sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Repeated automobile accidents
• Depression and mood changes
• Memory loss and lack of concentration
• Obesity coupled with daytime fatigue and sleepiness
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Hypertension
• Chronic renal failure coupled with daytime fatigue and sleepiness
• Stroke and heart attack
• Congestive heart failure
• Unexplained cardiac disease
• Neuromuscular disorders such as muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis
• Seizures

Insomnia

The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, and the poor quality of night time sleep that results, can lead to sleepiness, decreased concentration and performance during the daytime hours. There are many causes of insomnia such as stress, depression, breathing disorders and acid reflux, most of which can be treated successfully.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring can have adverse medical consequences, and is a major symptom of breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. It can also be disruptive to another person's sleep, and can be a factor in excessive sleepiness during daytime hours. Overnight monitoring in the Center can help determine the nature and severity of the problem and to plan effective treatment.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

This common problem can have significant consequences including auto accidents, poor job performance and depression. While overwork and psychological causes are often blamed, daytime sleepiness can be a symptom of sleep apnea, narcolepsy or other undiagnosed disorders. Through recent advances in sleep studies and treatment, we can now offer effective therapies.

Irregular Sleep-Wake Schedule

Our society's pattern of perpetual working hours such as shift work, has led to increases in disorganized sleep-wake patterns. Jet lag and tiredness are also common problems related to irregular schedules. We can help patients manage problematic schedules, and thereby improve sleep, alertness and performance.

Other Sleep-Related Disorders

Our specialists evaluate a variety of conditions that interrupt sleep. beyond those described here, we evaluate headaches, acid indigestion and reflux, respiratory distress and coughing, and chest pain, as they can interfere with the ability to sleep well.