Healthy Living Newsletter

Although sleep disorders affect millions of people, most don’t recognize the symptoms and even fewer don’t get the help they need.

Tired of Falling Asleep in all the Wrong Places?

Counting sheep, watching TV or listening to books on tape — many seniors have used these methods to find restful sleep. Perhaps it’s not life’s stresses that are keeping you up at night. You could be suffering from a diagnosable and treatable sleep disorder.

Every year, millions of Americans experience fatigue, irritability, depression, lack of concentration and memory, lost productivity, and even worse — accidents, all due to sleep disorders.

Such symptoms can affect your marriage, your quality of life and essentially your health. Yet, many people don’t seek professional help because they simply don’t realize it is available. But, if let untreated, some sleep disorders may increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Sleep disorders are any condition that interrupts normal sleep-wake patterns. They include:

• Sleep Apnea and Snoring
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Insomnia
• Chronic Respiratory Problems or Lung Disease
• Nightmares or Night Terrors

If you’re suffering from any of these disorders, you can talk to your doctor about a referral for a sleep study, which can diagnose your problem and provide treatment solutions for you through your physician.

Sleep studies include full patient evaluations by consultation, including an interview; physical exam; and review of sleep/wake logs. Some patients may require an overnight evaluation.

Mercy Hospital now offers access for patients who suffer from sleep disorders. The Mercy Sleep Disorders Center is located within Mercy Hospital, in a beautifully remodeled and dedicated unit, with ease of access on the hospital’s main floor and its own patient entrance. This new center is lead by an area physician specialist Board-Certified in Sleep Studies.

If you’re suffering from a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor today about a referral to the Mercy Sleep Disorders Center.