Sleep Disorders

We’ve all heard how getting a good night’s rest can make a world of difference in the way you think and feel. Generally, you know which category you fall into, restful or restless sleep, but whether you are aware of it or not the people around you are usually very aware of it. Family, friends, co-workers, pretty much everyone you come in contact with will know if you are getting enough sleep by the way you interact with them. Are you experiencing problems with your relationships? It very well could be sleep-related.

Sleep Studies, also known as Polysomnography have become big business over the last few decades with many breakthroughs in diagnosis and cures. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI) have provided an overview with some valuable information that can help you determine whether you should seek professional care.

Sleep studies are painless, noninvasive tests that measure how well you sleep and how your body responds to sleep problems. (NIH)

Sleep Studies have been known to diagnose a plethora of problems including:

• Sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea
• Sleep-related seizure disorders
• Sleep disorders that cause extreme daytime tiredness such as narcolepsy
• Sleep-related movement disorders

Doctors are also able to use sleep studies to diagnose or rule out restless legs syndrome, PTSD, and even Parkinson’s disease.

If left untreated, sleep disorders can increase your chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and may lead to a higher risk for stroke or heart failure. Studies have also proven that Sleeplessness is a leading cause of auto accidents and personal injuries both at work and around the house.

Sleep Studies are conducted either in a controlled environment at a sleep clinic or your doctor may determine that an in-home study with portable equipment will be sufficient.

Regardless of what your study reveals you can ‘rest assured’ that you, your family, your friends, co-workers, and everyone you know will benefit from the results.

A special thank you to Mary Shannon at seniorsmeet.org for contributing to this article.