Yawn – No More

Are you tired of being tired? There may be more than 80 sleep disorders recognized by the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) and it is estimated that more than 70 million Americans are affected by these sleep disorders.

Symptoms of some of these sleep disorders may include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headache
• Waking up early in the morning
• Snoring or gasping during sleep
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying awake
• Long periods of wakefulness at night
• Paused breathing or cessation of breathing
• Leg cramps
• Frequent moving throughout the night
• Talking or walking while asleep

"Lack of sleep not only makes a person tired; it's a health risk that can lead to depression, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke," says Tracy Kayser, respiratory director at PRH. According to a recent study, people with moderate to severe sleep apnea – a condition which breathing stops repeatedly at night – performed as poorly as drunk drivers when behind the wheel. Studies also show that losing as little as one and a half hours of sleep can reduce daytime alertness by more than 30 percent.

Parkway Regional Hospital wants everyone to get a good night's sleep. Our sleep lab provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of a range of sleep disorders, from insomnia and snoring to restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. During sleep studies, our team monitors patients as they spend the night in the sleep lab.  Sensors, electrodes and other devices connect the patient to a polygraph machine, which tracks brain activity, muscle activity in the chin and legs, eye movement, heart activity, breathing, and oxygen saturation. Cameras record body positioning and movement.

"The information gathered during the study helps our physicians determine the nature of the problem. Treatment may be as simple as body positioning training or a nasal mask to help with nighttime breathing," says Kayser.

For more information call Parkway Regional Hospital's Sleep Center at 270-472-8480.