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Sleep Center

Sleep disorders... more common than you think.

Although sleep disorders affect millions daily, most people don't readily recognize the potentially life threatening symptoms. Once detected, most sleep disorders can be corrected. The Sleep Center at Berger Hospital can help.

In general, a sleep disorder is any condition that interrupts normal sleep-wake patterns. Still, all of the sleep disorders described in this brochure can be evaluated and treated effectively through our state-of-the-art sleep diagnostic services. Together, we can help assess how well you are sleeping, what conditions might be present that keep you from getting a good night's sleep, and what steps can be taken to improve your sleep patterns.

The Hazards of Snoring

Loud snoring is no joking matter. Signaling a breathing problem during sleep, snoring can actually stop breathing for brief periods throughout the night. Could you be suffering from Sleep Apnea or another sleep disorder? Take the quiz below. If you answer two or more questions with a "yes", consider contacting one of the professionals at the Sleep Center at Berger Hospital soon.

Do you snore?
Are you sleepy during the day?
Are you overweight?
Do you wake up with headaches?
Do you have high blood pressure?
Are you irritable or fatigued?
Do you find it hard to stay awake while driving, watching TV, reading a book, or attending a meeting?
Do you ever wake up choking or gasping for air, or have a skipping or racing heartbeat during the night?
Has anyone watched you sleeping and told you that you hold your breath or snort during sleep?

Types of Sleep Disorders

Common sleep disorders include Sleep Apnea, Periodic Limb Movement Disorders, Narcolepsy, and Insomnia.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a cessation of airflow at the nose and mouth during sleep. It may be as common as asthma.

Risk factors include age, obesity, a broken nose, an enlarged tongue, and enlarged nostrils.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea may include snoring, choking/gasping sensations in sleep, dry mouth, sore throat, morning headaches, witnessed apnea by bed partner, excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue, memory loss, irregular heartbeats, and high blood pressure.
Treatment of Sleep Apnea includes continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), surgery, dental applications, weight loss, and positional therapy.
Complications of untreated Sleep Apnea can include high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF), and premature death.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)
PLMD is a repetitive movement of the toes and ankles, sometimes spreading to the knees and hips, occurring at nearly predictable (20-40 second) intervals during sleep.

Symptoms of PLMD include repeated awakenings of unknown origin throughout the night, daytime fatigue or sleepiness, and a crawling sensation or relentless feeling in the legs when first going to sleep.
Treatment of PLMD involves medication.

Narcolepsy
This condition is a neurological sleep disorder that can begin at any age and continue throughout life.

Symptoms of Narcolepsy include a sudden loss of voluntary muscle control (usually triggered by emotions); excessive daytime sleepiness; vivid, realistic, and often frightening dreams; and a temporary inability to move during the process of going to sleep and/or waking.
Treatment of Narcolepsy involves medication.

Insomnia
Insomnia is a chronic problem associated with falling or staying asleep.

Causes of Insomnia include breathing difficulties, involuntary muscle movements, environmental distractions, shift work, or psychological problems such as stress or depression.
Treatment of Insomnia involves behavior modification and medication.

Other sleep disorders may be the result of chronic respiratory problems or lung diseases. The disorders can worsen during sleep, significantly changing your sleep-wake schedule, which may lead to nightmares or night terrors.

Sleep Testing

Sleep studies are available at Berger's Sleep Center and are conducted in a private, homelike atmosphere. State-of-the-art EEG equipment and closed-circuit television are used to record sleep patterns, breathing, heart activity, and body movements.

If you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, contact your physician for an evaluation and referral for the appropriate sleep study. For additional information, contact the Sleep Center at 740.420.8520.