It is often difficult to determine whether snoring is simply a social inconvenience or a sign of a serious underlying medical disorder known as sleep apnea syndrome. This illness is characterized by repeated interruption of breathing, loss of oxygen and loss of good quality sleep. This very common disease, which afflicts millions of people throughout the United States, can have disastrous health consequences, yet can be rather easily diagnosed and treated. We are able to interpret the patient's studies and make appropriate recommendations in this regard. O ther common sleep problems evaluated at the Regional Sleep Disorders Centers are insomnia and narcolepsy.
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
It is necessary to evaluate the patient fully to determine whether or not this is due to an underlying medical illness, sleep disorder, or possible psychological or psychiatric factors. Appropriate evaluation leading to an appropriate treatment regimen is performed. This illness affects many young people, and is often mistaken for laziness or inattentiveness. Other problems addressed at the Sleep Disorders Centers include the parasomnias, such as sleep walking, sleep talking, and teeth grinding. This often disrupts occupational and social schedules, and can be quite stressful.