Sleep Care

Nothing is as disruptive to leading a normal, productive life as the inability to get good, restful sleep. Almost everyone experiences an occasional sleepless night, but if you find it impossible to sleep night after night consider seeking medical help.

You may have a sleep disorder if you struggle with:

• Loud snoring
• Holding your breath while asleep
• Gasping, choking or snorting while asleep
• Falling or staying asleep
• Restless legs
• Sleep attacks during the day

Our physicians and staff specialize in helping people with sleep-related problems, including:

• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Parasomnias
• Other sleep-related disorders

Sleep disorders can lead to serious health complications

A sleep disorder is nothing to take lightly. These disorders wreak serious havoc on your mental and physical health. Without consistent sleep, you will not be able to think as clearly, which makes driving a car or operating machinery very risky.

It is important to note that being unable to sleep at night does not mean you cannot fall asleep ever. The risk of falling asleep while driving is very high in people with sleep disorders.

Aside from physical and mental exhaustion, sleep disorders also take their toll on your heart. People who do not get good sleep develop cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure. Your risk of serious, life-threatening events such as a heart attack or stroke are much higher with a sleep disorder. Thankfully, the help provided by sleep specialists has very high success rates.

Diagnosis & treatment

Finding the cause of a sleep disorder is critical for treatment. In some cases, the cause is a physical one such as a lung or throat problem that make it difficult to breathe while sleeping. However, in many cases sleep disorders are a mental problem.

To diagnose a sleep disorder, a sleep specialist will need to learn more about your lifestyle and sleeping habits. An overnight sleep study where your vital signs are monitored may be recommended so they can observe firsthand what’s causing your sleep difficulties.

Treating a sleep disorder typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, new diet and medication. Therapy may also be recommended for patients with severe stress or other mental roadblocks to sleep. Some patients with sleep apnea may need a special device known as a CPAP so that they can breathe properly while sleeping.

Whatever is troubling your sleep, Adventist Health’s sleep specialists can help you get back to a solid night’s rest.