Sleep Disorders

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders affect how much you sleep and the quality of your sleep. Adults typically require 7-9 hours of sleep per night for good mental and physical health, but sleep disorders affect millions across the United States.

Sleep-related issues can significantly impact your daily life. If you struggle to fall or stay asleep, often wake up earlier than you’d like, or don’t feel rested after sleeping, visit your doctor for an evaluation. 

Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders has highly-qualified neurologists specializing in sleep medicine. They work closely with Kettering Health Network’s sleep centers to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in patients referred by their health care providers.

What sleep disorders might affect me?

Sleep disorders include:

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common problem where you can’t get to sleep or don’t stay asleep for long.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

RLS makes your legs feel uncomfortable in bed, so you’re compelled to move them. The activity and discomfort prevent you from sleeping properly.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

OSA happens because of a blockage in the airway at the back of your throat that causes temporary breathing lapses.

Central sleep apnea

Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain can’t control the muscles that help you breathe. It can cause shallow, slowed breathing.

Some people have both obstructive and central sleep apnea (mixed sleep apnea). 

What symptoms might sleep disorders cause?

Sleep disorder symptoms vary in type and severity but may include:

• Stopping breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sore throat on waking
• Very dry mouth in the morning
• Frequent need to urinate at night
• Persistent snoring
• Gasping, snorting, or choking yourself awake

People with sleep apnea are often unaware they have a problem because they don’t remember waking up at night.

What problems do sleep disorders cause?

Sleep disorders increase your risk of developing many health problems, including:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Chronic fatigue 
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Excess weight
• Acid reflux 
• Irregular heart rhythm 

Lack of restorative sleep also affects job performance and makes you more likely to have a car accident or suffer a work injury. 

The Dayton Center for Neurological Disorders sleep doctors use inpatient and home sleep studies to see what happens in your brain and body during sleep. After diagnosing your condition, your provider offers comprehensive sleep disorder treatment.

Kettering Health Network schedules for all sleep consultations. You can request an appointment here: https://ketteringhealth.org/appointments/request/?Service=Sleep