What is a sleep disorder?

A Sleep Disorder is any psychological, environmental or physiological symptom(s) that consistently inhibits a full, restful night's sleep. A lack of restorative rest can cause a loss of productivity in the workplace, increased risk of accidents, decreased intellectual capacity, problems in relationships, morning headaches, impotency and sometimes death.

Types of sleep disorders include:

Although insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, there are actually more than 100 types of sleep disorders. Once a sleep disorder is diagnosed, it can be successfully treated.
Sleep Apnea - the frequent stopping or obstruction of respiration during the night, often characterized by loud snoring.
Insomnia - trouble falling asleep or maintaining sleep.
Narcolepsy - the irresistible urge to sleep at any given point(s) in the day.
Nocturnal Myoclonus/Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) - twitching or sudden jerking movements of the lower extremities during the night.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) – uncontrollable limb movements throughout the night that disturb your sleep cycle.

How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?

Approximately one-third of any given population experiences sleep disorders. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this information on a regular basis, you may need to be evaluated for a sleep disorder.

More than 100 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. If you’ve been experiencing disturbed sleep for more than a month and feel it has interfered with the way you feel or function during the day, check the following list for any symptoms which might be affecting you:
· Daytime Sleepiness
· Snoring
· Morning Headaches
· Gastroesophageal Reflux
· Depression
· Mood Swings and Irritability
· Problems Concentrating or Memory Loss
· High Blood Pressure
· Impotence

A helpful guideline is the Sleep Disorder Evaluation of the Brooksville Regional Sleep Disorders Center. By answering a few detailed questions, you can find out more about your sleep habits and determine whether you should see a doctor.

How can the Sleep Disorders Center help me if I have a sleep disorder?

Staffed with highly-trained Board Certified Polysomnographers/Sleep Technicians and a Board Certified Sleep Medicine Physician, the Center is equipped to diagnose and help treat all types of sleep disorders. Upon referral from your physician or a recommended specialist, an appointment for a sleep test will be scheduled at the Center. This test is conducted during your normal sleep hours, and is done in a private room designed specifically for these evaluations. With the use of specialized equipment, the sleep technician will monitor and record your body movements, any breathing irregularities, and your heart and brain activity while you sleep. You may also be asked to return to the Center for a daytime appointment. During this visit, the sleep technician may record your daytime sleep activity.

Can sleep disorders be treated?

Once the disorder is diagnosed, it can be successfully treated. The information from your sleep tests can assist your physician or recommended specialist in designing the proper treatment to help you get a better night's rest. For more information about sleep disorders, testing and treatment, talk to your physician about the Brooksville Regional Sleep Disorders Center, call the Center at 352-544-6038, or call the Brooksville Regional Physicians Referral Service for the name of a qualified physician near you.