Guthrie’s Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep Disorders from A to ZZZZ

There are a variety of sleep disorders that affect people of all ages. Treatments for these sleep problems vary. If you are diagnosed with one of these conditions, your doctor will review treatment options with you related to your specific situation.

Excessive daytime sleepiness

People with excessive daytime sleepiness frequently doze, nap or fall asleep in situations in which they should be fully alert. Excessive daytime sleepiness can be a symptom of one of several underlying medical conditions that can be easily diagnosed and effectively treated.

Insomnia

Insomnia is characterized by trouble falling or staying asleep or waking up too early. It may be due to stress or poor sleep habits and is also frequently a symptom of an underlying sleep disorder or medical problem.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a disorder affecting the part of the brain that regulates sleep. This problem usually begins in a person’s twenties, and is a lifelong but easily treatable condition. Narcolepsy causes the sufferer to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving.

Restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is often described as a crawling feeling in the legs that causes an intense need to move the legs to alleviate the feeling. This often wakes a sufferer out of deep sleep and limits the person’s ability to return to sleep.

Shift work/circadian rhythm problems

Circadian rhythm refers to a person’s sleep/wake pattern during a 24-hour cycle. Seventy percent of shift workers suffer from a circadian rhythm disorder, which causes disruption of the sleep-wake cycle and can interfere with work performance and social situations.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the sleeper’s airway closes off, startling the sleeper to the point of waking. This can occur up to 500 times per night, preventing the sleeper from entering a state of deep, restful sleep. Most people with sleep apnea also snore. Untreated sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and many other problems, such as increased risk of automobile accidents and work-related difficulties. There are several effective treatments available for sleep apnea.

Guthrie Sleep Disorder Center Links: