Disorders and Treatments

Sleep Disorders

Although there are nearly 100 recognized sleep disorders, here are some of the most common:

Sleep Apnea – Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of the airway, most often when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. For those with sleep apnea, the brain briefly wakes them throughout their sleep so that they resume breathing. However, as a result sleep quality is poor and unrestful, resulting in daytime fatigue and many other problems. A common treatment for sleep apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device to keep air flowing into the throat throughout sleep.

Insomnia – Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep for a prolonged period of time such as a month or longer. Those suffering from insomnia may find it difficult to function when they are awake. Insomnia can be caused by medications, stress, hormone shifts, pain or other factors.

Restless Leg Syndrome – This is the irresistible urge to move the legs due to an unpleasant or odd sensation. The sensations felt by those with RLS are often hard to describe but may be explained as burning, itching, crawling or tickling. Moving the limb typically decreases the sensation.

Narcolepsy – This disorder is often characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness and falling asleep at inappropriate times. People with this disease may also experience muscular weakness or loss of muscle function. The disorder is caused by a disturbed sleep pattern.

Sleep Disorder Treatments

Sleeping pills and other strong medications aren’t always the best treatment for a sleep disorder. At the Daniel J. and Maria H. Sak Sleep Wellness Center, our physician will explore all treatment options with you including relaxation therapy, weight loss programs, lifestyle changes and special breathing equipment. In some cases, there are safe and effective medications or devices that can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. In others, we may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.