Sleep & Neurology Center

Do you have trouble sleeping?

Did you know?

More than 50 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder at some time in their lives. These disorders should not be treated lightly. They can lead to problems with attention, concentration and memory, psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety, and more serious problems like high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), stroke, diabetes and even death. Fortunately, sleep disorders are very treatable and their treatment usually leads to significant life improvements.

How do I know if I should see a doctor?

If you answer yes to two or more of the following questions, you may be suffering from a sleep disorder.

Do you feel tired or exhausted when you wake up in the morning and/or throughout the day?
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night?
Are you overweight?
Do you have morning headaches?
Do you suffer from depression or anxiety?
Do you have difficulty concentrating?
Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart or brain disease?

Has your sleeping partner ever told you...

You seem to have gaps in your breathing when you sleep?
You snore at night?
You kick your legs at night?

Talk to your Doctor

If you have questions about a sleep problem or disorder, your health care provider may want to refer you to a sleep lab where you can participate in a sleep study (also called a polysomnogram). Before the sleep study takes place, you will likely be asked a variety of questions about your medical and sleep history. The doctor may even want your bed partner's responses to some questions since you may not be aware that you snore, stop breathing or kick your legs when sleeping.

Sleep Studies - What to Expect

Sleep studies usually begin in the late evening and end about 6:00 AM. Upon your arrival to the center, a staff member will explain more about the test and answer any questions you might have. You will then be asked to change into your nightclothes. After changing, a technician will connect you to non-painful sensors so you can be monitored and information collected throughout the night. You will spend the night in a private bedroom and the technician will monitor you from another room throughout the night.

Afterwards, Dr. Hammond will interpret the results and forward his interpretation to the physician who ordered the study. Appropriate follow up is then arranged.

Sleep studies are generally easy to tolerate, comfortable for patients, and give the sleep physician the information he/she needs in order to accurately diagnose and treat the sleep disorder.

Tips for a great night's sleep:

DO:

Go to bed and wake up at the same time (stay consistent, even on days off work!)
Exercise regularly but not within three hours of going to bed
Establish a routine including relaxation and meditation techniques
Sleep in a dark, quiet area where temperature and humidity are controlled

DON'T:

Take daytime naps
Use stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine
Drink alcohol before bedtime
Go to bed too hungry or too full
Eat offensive foods, such as spicy or acidic foods before bed
Try too hard to fall asleep
Watch the clock
Take prescription or over-the-counter medication without first checking with your doctor