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Sleep Disorders

The best sleep is a mix of REM and non-REM sleep that leaves us feeling rested and refreshed the next day. But for many people, that's not what happens.

Conditions that can affect our sleep patterns include:

• Sleep Apnea
• Insomnia
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Periodic Limb Movement
• Narcolepsy
• Sleep Walking, Sleep Talking or Sleep Terrors

A lack of sleep is especially dangerous when driving. Studies have shown that if you’re awake after more than 20 hours, it is equivalent to being intoxicated.

By treating your sleep apnea, you will increase your energy and mental awareness, reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, and decrease moodiness and irritability.

For more information about sleep conditions and for general sleep tips, visit our Health Library.

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Ask Us Anything

• No matter whether I get 4 hours of sleep or 10 hours, I'm always tired. How can I improve my quality of sleep? Registered Nurse Robert Mages responds. 
• My wife has trouble sleeping. What information can be gained from a sleep study? Occupational Therapist Bill Hyland responds.

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Do You Need a Sleep Study?

If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder:

• Have been told that you stop breathing while asleep
• Wake up gasping for air
• Often snore loudly
• Have difficulty falling asleep
• Are overweight
• Have high blood pressure
• Wake up with headaches
• Suffer from depression
• Have trouble concentrating
• Often feel tired
• Fall asleep at inappropriate times, including while driving or at work
• Take frequent naps
• Walk in your sleep
• Experience involuntary body movement while asleep

Becoming a Patient

If your doctor suspects that you have a sleep disorder, he or she may recommend a sleep study. The testing process that is used to determine your sleeping condition is called polysomnography. The results will determine whether you have a sleep disorder and what kind of treatment will improve your sleep.

Sleep disorders are diagnosed and treated at our sleep disorder centers, including:

• Kenmore Mercy Hospital (Kenmore)
• Mercy Hospital of Buffalo (Buffalo)
• Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph Campus (Cheektowaga)

Click here for information on scheduling a sleep study.