Sleep Disorders Specialist

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are problems that affect the quality of your sleep or prevent you from falling or staying asleep. Sleep is a crucial part of your health, and sleep disorders can affect both your physical and mental health.

There are several causes of sleep disorders, ranging from medical problems such as heart disease to certain medications. Genetics also play into your chances of sleep problems.

Although there are many types of sleep disorders, some of the most common types are:

• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia

Sleep apnea is a severe sleep disorder because it causes you to stop breathing for short periods throughout your sleep. When you stop breathing, your body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs, causing physical and emotional strain over time.

What are the symptoms of sleep disorders?

Each sleep disorder can cause different symptoms. Whether you sleep during the day or at night, if you’re not getting quality rest, it manifests in symptoms such as:

• Depression
• Weight gain
• Trouble staying awake
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Unusual breathing 

Trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep are other common signs of a sleep problem. If you take a lot of naps, it’s also a sign to seek treatment.

How are sleep disorders diagnosed?

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, the team at Advanced ENT & Allergy can help. Your provider asks you about your sleep cycles and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They also ask about your current medical conditions and medications to determine if they could be the cause.

The team may ask you to keep a sleep diary, which you’ll do every day for a few weeks. The sleep diary gives the team insight into your sleep patterns; they’ll measure how often you wake and how long it takes you to fall asleep, making this tool beneficial.

Your provider may also schedule you for a sleep study. Depending on your preference, the sleep study can be done at a sleep center or at home. The team takes the data collected from the study to determine the best route of treatment.

Can sleep disorders be treated?

The short answer is yes; sleep disorders are very treatable. The team at Advanced ENT & Allergy bases your treatment on the exact cause of your sleep disturbance.

The team treats sleep apnea with either a CPAP machine or with oral appliance therapy. These tools help keep your airway open while you sleep, alleviating the breathing issues associated with the disorder.

If you have another sleep disorder, the team at Advanced ENT & Allergy gives you a customized treatment plan to finally get you a restful sleep.

To learn more about sleep disorders, contact the team at Advanced ENT & Allergy today by either calling the practice or scheduling online.