Sleep/Wake Disorders
Sleep disorders can affect either the ability to achieve and maintain restful nighttime sleep or can cause excessive daytime sleepiness. Disorders associated with the daytime sleepiness may seriously interfere with daytime productivity or quality of life. Specialized diagnosis and treatment are required. State-of-the-art sleep testing and evaluation by experienced sleep disorder specialists can identify individual problems and help patients regain restful sleep.
The Southeast Regional Center for Sleep/Wake Disorders is fully accredited by the American Sleep Disorder Association, and the qualifications of the staff are unmatched. If you or someone you know is experiencing a sleep/wake disturbance, please call us at 251.460.5319.
Evaluating the Problem
During the first visit to the Southeast Regional Center for Sleep/Wake Disorders, the patient meets with a sleep disorder specialist (clinical polysomnographer) who takes a sleep history and determines whether or not a formal sleep evaluation is needed.
Clinical Polysomnography
Because most sleep/wake problems are hidden by sleep, a nighttime sleep study in the laboratory is often required. This non-invasive nighttime study involves the continuous monitoring of the EEG, EKG, eye movements, muscle tension, respiratory activity and blood oxygen saturation.
Other tests available at the center for evaluation of sleep/wake disorders include:
- Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test - These daytime polysomnograms are used to assess daytime sleepiness, alertness and also aid in the diagnosis of narcolepsy.
- Esophageal pH Monitoring - This test aids in the diagnosis of nocturnal reflux disease (indigestion).
- Insomnia Clinic - The center operates a comprehensive insomnia clinic for intensive psychological and medical evaluation of difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep.
What To Expect In The Sleep Laboratory
After making yourself comfortable in your room, the technician will attach various sensors to your body. These sensors allow the staff to measure various functions of your body such as breathing, brain activity and heart rate, while you sleep. A member of our technical staff will be monitoring you continuously during your stay.
All test results, including an in-depth review by the Center's clinical polysomnographer and written recommendations for treatment, will be discussed in person with the patient. The qualifications of the staff at the Southeast Regional Center for Sleep/Wake Disorders are unmatched, and the Center is fully accredited by the American Sleep Disorder Association. If you or someone you know is experiencing a sleep/wake disturbance, please call us at 251.460.5319.
Types of Sleep Disorders
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea or repeated cessation of breathing during sleep can occur hundreds of times. Sleep apnea may be associated with snoring, daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, personality changes and impotence.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a disease of the central nervous system. It is characterized by "sleep attacks" at inappropriate times. Narcolepsy may also involve episodes of muscle weakness and dream-like experiences while awake.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), or periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), also known as nocturnal myoclonus, involves involuntary twitches of the limbs during sleep causing multiple symptoms and subsequent daytime sleepiness.
Insomnia
Insomnia is an inability to initiate sleep. It can result from numerous factors including poor sleep hygiene, emotional difficulties/stress, use of certain medications, breathing difficulties or other medical problems.
Disturbances of the sleep/wake schedule include jet lag, frequently changing work schedules and disorders of the sleep/wake rhythm.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are unusual sleep-related behaviors and can include nightmares, bed wetting, sleep walking and kicking/thrashing/hitting.
Forms
Please fill out our Sleep Evaluation Form prior to your visit to the Sleep Center.
