Sleep Medicine

Sleep Medicine describes the evaluation of sleep disturbances and sleep disorders which include Insomnia, Sleep Related Breathing Disorders, Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence, Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders, Parasomnias, and Sleep Related Movement Disorders.

Disturbances of sleep can commonly present as the following symptoms:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea
  • Teeth grinding
  • Insomnia
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • Frequent car accidents or near misses/drowsy driving
  • Narcolepsy
  • Sleep walking
  • Nocturia – frequent urination at night
  • Sleep-deprived bed partner

Medical conditions known to be directed related to disturbed sleep:

  • Low oxygen
  • Atrial fibrillation/cardiac arrythmia
  • Hypertension
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Thyroid disease

Medical conditions indirectly related to disturbed sleep:

  • Heart failure
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Depression
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Obesity
  • Polycythemia
  • Memory loss