Sleep is an essential component of overall health, and disrupted sleep can significantly impact various aspects of life, including work, school and relationships. Sleep disorders can affect a person’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, wake up and even remain awake after a night’s sleep. If you are experiencing disruptions in the quality or quantity of your sleep, it is important to seek medical attention from a certified neurologist.
Sleep Disorders We Treat
Circadian rhythm disorders occur when the body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep, hormone production and other vital functions, malfunctions. Examples of circadian rhythm disorders include:
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
This condition causes people to physically act out unpleasant dreams, often resulting in violent arm and leg movements during REM sleep. - Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Also known as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, this condition causes a significant delay in sleep onset, typically two hours or more later than conventional sleep times, making it difficult to wake up.
People with hypersomnia, or idiopathic hypersomnia, experience excessive daytime sleepiness despite receiving an adequate amount of sleep at night.
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, making it persistently difficult for individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep. A rare and severe form of insomnia, called fatal familial insomnia, progressively worsens, eventually leading to coma and, in some cases, death.
KLS is a rare disorder that primarily affects adolescent males, leading to excessive sleep, overeating and changes in behavior and mood.
Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder that causes extreme daytime sleepiness, with sudden sleep episodes, known as “sleep attacks,” that can occur at any time. These sleep attacks can disrupt daily activities and be dangerous, especially if the person is driving or engaged in other activities.
Parasomnia refers to any unwanted and unusual behaviors during sleep, such as nightmares, night terrors, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, bedwetting and teeth grinding.
How are sleep disorders diagnosed?
Sleep disorders are diagnosed based on the symptoms reported by the patient, along with a physical examination by a doctor. It is often recommended to keep a sleep diary that tracks your sleep schedule, habits and patterns. After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a polysomnography (sleep study), which records brain waves, blood-oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing and eye movements during sleep. Additionally, your doctor may perform tests to rule out other potential causes of sleep disturbances, such as depression or anxiety.
How are sleep disorders treated?
Treatment for sleep disorders will vary based on the specific disorder but may include a combination of the following:
- Sleep Schedule Implementation
Establishing a regular sleep routine, including on weekends, to help regulate sleep patterns. - Medication
Prescription medications may be used to manage symptoms and improve sleep quality. - Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthier lifestyle practices such as regular exercise, meditation and limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to sleep difficulties. - Assistive Sleeping Devices
In some cases, devices such as CPAP machines or other tools may be recommended to improve sleep quality.
Choose NGPG for sleep disorder treatment
NGPG Neurology offers a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to complex conditions, partnering board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, neuropsychiatrists and other specialists to provide high-quality care. For imaging and surgical needs, we collaborate with the expert neuroscience team at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and its state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring patients receive top-tier services alongside excellent outpatient care.