Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea, the most common of sleep disorders, is a condition in which a person regularly stops breathing during sleep for 10 seconds or longer.  This may be caused by blocked airflow or by a problem with how the brain signal breathing muscles to work, or a combination of both.

Narcolepsy is a fairly rare neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable daytime sleepiness and sudden “sleep attacks” during inappropriate times during the day.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder is a disorder in which the patient exhibits rhythmic limb movements of the arms and legs that can cause sleep disruption.

Chronic Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

Parasomnia includes sleep walking, sleep talking, bed-wetting, night terrors, REM behavior disorders, and nocturnal seizures.

OSA: The Most Common Sleep Disorder

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing.  It is a treatable disorder   that affects millions of Americans, but is often unrecognized despite the potentially serious consequences.

What are the Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea?

 Untreated sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, stroke and other cardiovascular disease, fatigue, exacerbates diabetes, memory and mood problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches.  Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle accidents.