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home/welcome |
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asthma and pulmonary disorders |
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| sleep disorders and overnight testing |
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about the director |
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location/directions
contact us |
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información en español |
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good sleep habits |
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The following guidelines were established by the
American Sleep Disorders Association. The guidelines can be helpful in
alleviating all types of sleep disorders and will help most people sleep
well:
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 Get
up about the same time every day.
Go to bed only when sleepy. |
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Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals such as a warm bath,
light bedtime snack, or 10 minutes of reading. |
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Exercise regularly. Confine vigorous exercise to early
hours, at least six hours before bedtime, and do mild
exercise—such as simple stretching or walking—at least four
hours prior to bedtime. |
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Keep a regular schedule. Regular
times for meals, medications, chores, and other activities help keep the
inner clock running smoothly. |
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Avoid ingestion of caffeine
within six hours of bedtime. Don't drink alcohol, especially when sleepy.
Even a small dose of alcohol can have a potent effect when combined with
tiredness.
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Avoid smoking close to bedtime.
Try to nap at the same time
every day; mid-afternoon is the best time for most people. |
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Avoid sleeping pills, or use them conservatively. Most
doctors avoid prescribing sleeping pills for periods longer
than three weeks. Do not drink alcohol while taking sleeping
pills. |
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sleep disorders |
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The Center
evaluates and treats all sleep disorders, including: |
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snoring insomnia sleep
apnea
daytime sleepiness sleepwalking narcolepsy
restless legs
syndrome parasomnias
sleep-wake schedule disorders
nocturnal myoclonus nocturnal
asthma/COPD
REM sleep behavior disorders
sleep disorders in children and the elderly |
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diagnosis and treatment |
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After consultation with a sleep specialist,
each patient is diagnosed and appropriate therapy is
determined. As part of the evaluation, a sleep study (polysomnogram),
using painless, noninvasive technology, may be performed at
the Center during a period of one or two nights. This
procedure simultaneously records heart rate, brain waves,
breathing, oxygenation, and eye and leg movement.
While the patient is asleep, in an adjoining
room a certified sleep technician monitors data transmitted
by the patient via electrodes. The room in which a patient
is tested is a comfortable, private hotel-like setting and
includes cable TV. Overnight tests are completed by 7 am.
Our
sleep laboratory's state-of-the-art equipment meets all
guidelines of appropriate national and regional professional
organizations as well as of relevant medical governmental
agencies.
Treatment for a sleep disorder may include a
prescription for a device to aid the patient's breathing
while sleeping, medication, or light therapy as well as
neuropsychiatric interventions, including biofeedback. If
indicated, referral to or consultation with other
specialists may be recommended. |
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While the patient is asleep in an adjoining room, a certified sleep
technician monitors data transmitted by the patient via electrodes. |
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Brief Descriptions of
Common Sleep Disorders |
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Insomnia |
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Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep, or to remain asleep or go back to sleep.
It can be related to many factors,
such as depression, stress, or a disturbance of one's daily schedule. One of the
most troublesome kinds of insomnia can be brought about by a change in working
hours, which alters the body's internal clock. |
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Snoring |
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A common
symptom of a sleep disorder, snoring can cause significant medical and
social problems. It occurs when tissues in the air passages relax and
the passage of air causes these tissues to vibrate.
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Sleep
Apneas |
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An irregularity in
breathing during sleep, sleep apnea can be life threatening. Obstructive
sleep apnea generally occurs when the upper airway is blocked by the
tongue or palate during sleep, causing breathing difficulties. Central
sleep apnea is a complete suspension of breathing. Both can lead to
hypertension, cardiac irregularities, heart failure, or stroke.
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Narcolepsy |
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Narcolepsy is a disabling disorder often undiagnosed.
Uncontrollable
sleepiness, paralysis, and hallucinations are common symptoms. |
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Sleep-Wake Schedule Disorders |
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Circadian disorders are abnormalities in sleep-wake
schedules. Of the many causes, the best known are jet lag and shift
work. |
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Excessive Daytime Sleepiness |
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People with EDS frequently doze, nap, or fall asleep
in situations where they need to be or want to be fully awake and alert.
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Sleepwalking |
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Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a state in which a
person rises from sleep, with little awareness of surroundings, to
perform what appear to be conscious motor activities. Although adults
may be afflicted, this occurs more frequently in adolescents.
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Nocturnal Myoclonus |
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Nocturnal myoclonus
is one of several periodic limb movement disorders. This condition is
characterized by sudden repetitive kicking or jerking movements of the
lower extremities. This can occur through the night every 20 to 40
seconds. |
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Nocturnal Asthma |
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Nocturnal asthma, characterized by an increase in
nighttime symptoms, is related to sleep and to bodily circadian rhythms.
This is surprisingly common. Patients may awaken with coughing, chest
tightness, or wheezing. When this happens nightly, sleep disruption can
be extreme. |
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REM Sleep Behavior Disorders |
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REM behavior disorder is associated
with REM (or dreaming period) sleep, which includes a violent acting out
of one's dreams. Occasionally, while experiencing this, people have
caused injury to themselves or others without waking. |
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Restless
Legs Syndrome |
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Periodic leg movements in sleep are
frequently
associated with a waking disorder called restless legs syndrome (RLS).
This is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by
unusual sensations in the legs and an overwhelming urge to move the legs
while resting or attempting to fall asleep. |
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Sleep
Disorders in the Elderly |
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More than half of the
population over 65 experiences some form of sleep disorder.
Factors that can contribute to this are aging, stress,
medication, and an underlying medical condition.
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top |
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home/welcome
asthma and pulmonary disorders
sleep
disorders and overnight testing
about the director
location/directions/contact us
información en español |
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Copyright 2009 Bronx Medic |
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