Sleep Disorders Center

Contact: Sleep Center

Telephone: 301-723-4346

About Sleep Disorders

Almost one-third of the population in the United States has a sleep disorder, which can make sleeping, or waking hours miserable. People with disturbed sleep frequently have difficulty functioning in the daytime and may be unaware of any problem with their sleep. The Sleep Disorders Center at Memorial Hospital provides diagnostic services and treatment for a variety of sleep disorders.

Common Sleep Disorders

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea - This is caused by a temporary collapse of the airway. Loud snoring, with snorting or gasping, is a characteristic, as well as daytime sleepiness.
• Central Sleep Apnea - This occurs when the brain fails to send a message to the diaphragm and other breathing muscles to initiate breathing during sleep. This can lead to disrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness.
• Narcolepsy - This is an inherited disease associated with periods of extreme sleepiness, often beginning in young adulthood. A person with narcolepsy falls asleep regardless of the activity around him and may also have brief episodes of partial or total paralysis.
• Nocturnal Myoclonus - This is a disorder involving frequent leg movements and leg jerks during sleep which disturb the sleep pattern and may even awaken the individual.
• Insomnia - Difficulty initiating sleep or sustaining sleep are characteristics of insomnia resulting from a variety of disorders. Insomnia can be caused by psychological or physical problems.

Diagnosing the Problem

The primary diagnostic service for sleep disorders is nocturnal polysomnography. This is an overnight test consisting of continuous monitoring of sleep, respiration, heart function, blood oxygen levels and leg movement. It is a painless procedure performed in a home-like environment attended by an experienced technologist. A physician, board-certified in polysomnography interprets the studies and reports are sent to the referring physician. Consultants in pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, urology, psychology, and neurology are available.

Treating a Sleep Disorder

Most of the disorders mentioned can be effectively treated once they have been accurately diagnosed. Some conditions require medications while others, such as obstructive sleep apnea, may require invasive procedures or the use of a device known as a nasal continuous positive airway pressure. This device is worn over the nose and keeps the airways open throughout the night.

Who Pays for Treatment?

Since sleep disorders are recognized as medical problems, many insurance carriers cover the cost of diagnoses and treatment. Individuals should check with their insurance carrier to determine their degree of coverage. WMHS assists patients with filing their insurance claims.

For more information on the Sleep Disorders Center, call 301-723-4346.