• How important is sleep?
• I sleep, but I'm always tired. How does that happen?
• How serious can lack of sleep be?
• What hinders restful sleep?
• When Snoring Sounds An Alarm
• How can I spot sleep apnea?
• What are the causes of sleep apnea?
• What are periodic limb movements?
• What is a sleep study and what is it used for?
• How is this recording made?
• Where will this test take place?
• What do I need to bring?
• What about meals?
• What about my regular medicines?
How Important is Sleep?
It is vital! As more studies are compiled, the evidence is obvious: a good night's sleep is far more important to the overall health of people than previously believed. Not only does the body need restorative rest, but also the emotional ability to function is also greatly impacted by disrupted sleep. Physical complaints are created and amplified by depriving the body of full rest.
Nothing wakes me up, but I'm always tired. How does that happen?
It's possible for your sleep pattern to be disrupted many times during the night without fully waking. That's because we all go through several levels of sleep. Each level is important to a good night's rest. Without them the mind and body are not restored, and not fully prepared to take on another day.
How serious can lack of sleep be?
While it seems obvious that not getting enough sleep results in sleepiness, what is not obvious is how dangerous this state can be. Accidents resulting from lack of restful sleep have increased in recent years as people increase activity and find it more difficult to sleep enough. So, not getting enough sleep isn't just an irritation or inconvenience--it is also dangerous.
What hinders restful sleep?
Studies point to many causes, the most common being sleep apnea, and periodic limb movements. Identifying these conditions and helping patients overcome the problems is the service we provide at the Providence Sleep Disorders Center.
When Snoring Sounds An Alarm
Sleep Apnea is a disorder that causes breathing to stop. Since the stoppage is of short duration and happens during sleep, people can be affected and not know it. However, when breathing stops, the results are serious.
If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk for cardiovascular difficulties such as heart problems and stroke. Additionally, it can lead to inability to concentrate, excessive daytime sleepiness, memory loss, and reduced work efficiency.
How can I spot sleep apnea?
The person with sleep apnea is almost always the last one to know it. Often it is a family member or bed partner who notices that something is wrong. While the signs are many, some of the most obvious are disturbed or restless sleep, very loud snoring often accompanied by periods of silence then gasps for air, morning headaches, mood or behavior changes, forgetfulness, irritability, and sleepiness.
What are the causes of sleep apnea?
The most common form of this condition is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the tissues of the throat completely obstruct the airway intermittently during the night. Some of the causes include obesity, abnormality of the jaw or throat, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
What are periodic limb movements?
Periodic limb movements are another major sleep disorder. Simply stated, it is a repetitive foot or leg kicking condition that occurs while sleeping. Although often small, the movements may cause brief arousals several hundred times a night. The disagreeable sensation that keeps many people out of bed searching for relief is called restless legs.
While periodic limb movements can affect all ages, they are very common among older people. Often the condition runs in families and may also occur with pregnancy, anemia and kidney failure. Most cases however are of unknown causes.
Periodic limb movements usually last a lifetime, but they can be successfully treated with special medications and the elimination of caffeine from the diet.
What is a Sleep Study and what is used for?
A sleep study (polysomnogram) is a procedure to record a series of body functions that occur while you sleep. This recording is used to determine the presence and severity of any abnormal functions that may disrupt your sleep and may pose a serious risk to your general health.
How is the recording made?
A set of electrodes will be attached (glued or taped) to your scalp, face, chest, and legs along with several other small sensors, and 2 elastic belts. A record will be made of your brain waves, eye movements, breathing, snoring, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and any unusual leg movements as you sleep. You will be monitored by closed circuit TV and recorded on videotape. You may get up as often as you need. Blood samples may be taken for testing CO2 and oxygen levels.
Where will this test take place?
You will be assigned a private bedroom with a private rest room and shower in the Providence Alaska Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center on the second floor of the South Tower.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to bring comfortable nightclothes to sleep in, along with a robe and slippers. Keep in mind that you will be on closed circuit TV while you sleep, and complete privacy at all times may not be possible. It is suggested that you bring your favorite pillow, if you have one, and any personal care items needed for an overnight stay. Towels, soap and shampoo are provided. If you have your own CPAP/BIPAP, dental or orthodontic appliance, please bring it with you.
What about meals?
Since this is an outpatient clinic, MEALS ARE NOT PROVIDED. You are welcome to bring your own meals and snacks. There is a microwave and a small refrigerator available. Meal trays can be special ordered but are not a covered service. You may visit the hospital cafeteria (open until 8 p.m.) where you may pay by cash or check.
What about my regular medicines?
This test is very sensitive to the effects of most drugs for sleep, nervousness, etc., and it may be necessary to discontinue these two weeks prior to your sleep study. If you are taking an antidepressant, stimulant (diet pills, etc.), or any medicine to help you sleep, please contact the Sleep Disorders Center for instructions as soon as possible. Medicine for blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, etc. should be continued, and remember to bring any regular medicines with you. If you have questions, please call (907) 261-3650 or our toll free number 888-597-6673.
If you are accustomed to drinking alcohol nightly, you may do so; however, have someone drive you to the center or bring your alcoholic beverage(s) with you.
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