CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SLEEP DISORDERS
Did you know?
• About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem; nearly 60 percent of them have a chronic sleep disorder.
• Sleep apnea affects about 18 million Americans. 95% of these cases go undiagnosed and untreated.
• More common than asthma, sleep apnea causes 38,000 cardiovascular deaths annually.
• Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, heart attack, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, mental impairment, sexual problems and injury from accidents.
• Sleep apnea affects more than
– 30% of coronary artery disease patients
– 50% of congestive heart failure patients
– 60% of stroke survivors
– 80% of drug-resistant hypertension patients
• Approximately 10% to 30% of adults snore.
• For 5% of adults, snoring is the first indication of obstructive sleep apnea.
• An estimated 200,000 people suffer from narcolepsy.
• More than 50 percent of Americans aged 65 and older have a sleep problem.
• The prevalence of sleep disorders appears to increase with advancing age, and as Americans age, an estimated 80 million Americans will have a sleep problem by the year 2010.
• About 25 percent of American children aged 1-5 have a sleep disturbance.
• Approximately 60% to 85% of people who have tried continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to relieve sleep apnea have been able to continue its use.
• Sleep disorders and sleepiness cost the general public over $16 billion annually; an additional $50 – $100 billion results from the indirect costs of accidents, litigation, property destruction, hospitalization and death.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 200,000 reported automobile accidents each year may be sleep-related.
• Individuals with OSA are seven times more likely to have car accidents.
• Physicians receive, on average, a total of only 2.1 hours of formal education in sleep medicine during their medical school training.
Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates conducts on-site sleep studies at our office to diagnose various sleep disorders.
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the studies and how they are conducted to help you better understand what to expect during a sleep study.
1) “What Is An Overnight Sleep Study?”
An overnight sleep study is a diagnostic test that includes several types of measurements used to identify different sleep stages and classify various sleep disorders. Small sensors are connected to the head, face, chest and legs of the patient to monitor different brain and body activities including brain waves, eye movements, heart rate, respiration and muscle movements. This will not be painful or uncomfortable and is very safe.
2) “Can I Fall Asleep With All Those Wires On Me?”
Every effort is made to make the study as comfortable as possible. The sensor wires are gathered together to make it easy for the patient to roll over and change position. The sensors can be disconnected very easily if the patient needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
3) “What Will Happen During My Study?”
While the patient is sleeping, various important body functions and data are monitored and recorded. The technician is monitoring the study throughout the duration of the study. If a respiratory or breathing problem is observed during sleep, the patient may be awakened to try a device that treats breathing problems. This device is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device and includes a small mask, which fits around the nose.
4) “Should I Take My Regular Medication The Night Of My Study?”
Yes. The patient should not discontinue any prescription medication without consulting his/her doctor first. It is, however, important that the patient writes down in the questionnaire that he/she is given before the study, any medication that he/she has been taking.
5) “Is There Anything In Particular That I Should Do On The Day Of My Study?”
It is important that the patient’s hair is thoroughly dry and free of oils or sprays for the study. The patient should preferably not take any naps on the day of the study and should not take caffeinated beverages (including coffee, tea or soft drinks containing caffeine) 12 hours prior to the study. No alcoholic beverages should be consumed on the day of the study.
6) “What Happens After My Study?”
After a sleep study is finished, all the results will be compiled and will be forwarded to your personal physician. Once the study has been interpreted, a report will be sent to the patient’s referring physician. It will typically take 1-2 weeks before a full report is sent to the referring physician.
How well do you sleep at night?
If you can’t get a good night’s rest, you’re not alone.
You could be one of the more than 70 million Americans who suffers from a sleep disorder. What’s more, you may not even realize you have a life-threatening sleep disorder. If untreated, sleep disorders can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and accidents. A good night’s sleep results in healthier living, higher productivity, greater alertness, contributes to public safety, and give you a better chance of reaching one’s full potential in life.
This simple questionnaire can help identify if you may have a sleep disorder.
Sleep Test
If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, then you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.
Sleep & Wellness Medical Associates specializes in the treatment of sleep-related disorders. The first step to living a better life and getting treatment for your sleep disorder is only a phone call away. Call (609) 587-9944 and ask about how a sleep study can get you started on the road to better health and wellness. Like many other things in life, its all about quality over quantity. The amount you sleep is irrelevant if you are sleeping badly.
When You Should See Your Physician
Sleep disorders can be mentally and physically debilitating, but also can be very dangerous to your health. You should see your physician if you:
- Are sleepy during the day, in spite of 8 hours in bed every night
- Snore loudly and especially if you actually stop breathing at night
- Have violent behaviors during your sleep
- Are always very sleepy and have had muscle weakness when you get emotional
- Are kept awake by restless legs (a creeping, crawly sensation of the legs)
- Remain unsatisfied with the quality of your sleep after following sleep hygiene recommendations for two weeks
To arrange an appointment with Sleep & Wellness, call (609) 587-9944 during our normal appointment hours to help you start sleeping right and leading a healthier life.