Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a Sleep Disorder?
If you answer yes to 3 or more of any of these questions, you should consult your physician about
having a sleep study.
- Do you snore?
- Has anyone ever told you that you stop breathing when you sleep?
- Do you get sleepy during the day?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Do you experience leg pain at times other than when you are excercising?
- Do you sleep restlessly?
- Do you sweat an excessive amount suring the night?
- Do you ever awaken with morning headaches?
- Do you lie awake for more than a half hour before going to sleep?
- Does your heart beat irregularly at night?
- Do you tend to fall asleep during inappropriate times?
- Have you or others noticed a recent change in your personality?
- Are you overweight?
Back to top
|
What happens in a Sleep Study?
Ballantyne Diagnostic and Sleep Center reveals sleep disorders by monitoring and evaluating patients while they sleep. First of all, there is absolutely no pain involved. The patients do have wires attached to them to monitor every aspect of their sleep/wake patterns. Patients are able to toss and turn and everything is removed very easily in the morning. We offer a very patient friendly environment.
The patient rooms are very welcoming and patient friendly. Polysomnographic Technologists will then observe sleep/wake patterns, heart and respiratory activity and body movements from a separate Control Room that is equipped with the latest in computer technology. If there are any questions at all, please refer to our contact page.
Back to top
|
Common Sleep Disorders
There are about 85 recognized Sleep Disorders, most of which are treatable. These disorders can leave you feeling tired, drowsy, and unable to function well during your waking hours. Some of these disorders can actually be life threatening, putting strain on the heart and lungs that can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
More information on any of these disorders at The National Sleep Foundation website.
A condition in which an obstruction of the airway slows or stops breathing during sleep.
A condition in which individuals find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
A condition in which excessive daytime sleepiness occurs, no matter how much sleep they receive the previous night.
A condition that causes people to have leg movements during sleep, often violent. The person involed is rarely aware of his or her own nightly leg movements.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
An unpleasant "creeping" sensation associated with aches and pains throughout the legs that can make it difficult to fall asleep.
More links for research:
The National Sleep Foundation
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research
Sleepnet.com
The American Academy of Family Physicians (Disorders in Children)
Back to top
|
|
Why is getting treatment so important?
For many people, sleep can be a probem. People who suffer from sleep disorders do not get the deep sleep that their body's need to rejuvenate and reenergize. For many suffer's, this results in lower quality of life. Not only can general daytime activities be disrupted, but patients who have untreated sleep disorders are likely to face serious health consequences.
The effects of sleep disorders range from mere annoyances to those that are life threatening. Sleep disorders have been found to play a role in high blood pressure, heart disease, poor work performance, and driving impairment. They can not only effect your health, but can interfere with a happy and productive life.
Back to top
|
How much sleep do I need each night?
Infants
• Birth–2 months need 10.5–18 hours
• 2–12 months need 14–15 hours
Toddlers/Children
• 12–18 months need 13–15 hours
• 18 months–3 years need 12–14 hours
• 3–5 years old need 11–13 hours
• 5–12 years old need 9–11 hours
Adolescents need at least 8.5–9.5 hours
Adults typically need 7–9 hours
*Data from the National Sleep Foundation
Back to top
|
|
|
|
