Sleep Disorders Treated at North Memorial Sleep Health Centers

Sleep Apnea

Several types of sleep apnea exist, but the most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway. Some people with sleep apnea stop breathing up to 100 times an hour. The most noticeable sign of OSA is snoring, and it is more common in people who are overweight and who have a family history of sleep apnea; however, even infants and children can have sleep apnea. Untreated OSA can cause:

Excessive sleepiness
Loud, disruptive snoring
High blood pressure
Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction

Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea:

Obesity - defined as a body mass index (weight divided by height squared) 30 or greater. For example, if you are 5 feet 8 inches and your weight is over 200 lbs, your body mass index is over 30.

Thick neck- a neck circumference 17 inches or more in men, and 16 inches or more in women.

Airway - narrow airway due to big tonsils, a long tongue, or recessive chin

Witness Sleep Apnea - partner witnesses breathing pauses

Smoker - soft tissue inflammation and irritation over time

Heavy alcohol use - CNS depressant

High blood pressure

Hereditary - family history, can be hereditary and often several family members may suffer from sleep apnea

Male vs Female - men are more likely than women to suffer from OSA

Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by limb discomfort. The uncomfortable sensation usually occurs at bedtime and is only relieved by frequent limb movement. It most often occurs in the calves of the legs. The irresistible urge to move the legs is accompanied by unpleasant sensations commonly described as creeping, tugging or pulling. The constant need to stretch or move the legs often prevents a person with Restless Leg Syndrome from falling asleep. It can also interfere with the tolerable length of travel time in a car, plane or other public transportation.

Some women develop Restless Leg Syndrome during pregnancy. Other conditions, such as anemia, low iron levels, end-stage renal disease with dialysis and peripheral neuropathy are all associated with Restless Leg Syndrome. It is not related to emotional or psychological disorders. It appears to have a genetic link. Blood tests and a sleep study will help diagnose Restless Leg Syndrome.

Regular moderate exercise and stretching, along with avoiding smoking and caffeine may help relieve mild symptoms.

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) affects a person's ability to sleep at night and function normally during the day. The person may complain of trouble staying asleep because the movements disrupt restful sleep. The movements of PLMD occur most often when a person is asleep and are involuntary. People with periodic limb movements are usually not aware of these movements. The movements, which are similar to jerking or kicking, usually occur in the legs, but may also affect the arms. People with PLMD may complain of restless sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness but have no idea that PLMD is causing them to awake many times during the night. A sleep study is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis of PLMD.

Narcolepsy
One in 2,000 people have Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder defined by severe sleepiness as well as other symptoms. It is a life-long neurological disorder.

Insomnia
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is a problem for one out of every three American adults. Treating insomnia requires you and your health care practitioner to work as partners to explore the causes of the problem. Common causes can include stress, shift work and jet lag. Treatment may include relaxation therapy and cognitive therapy as well as medication.