Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Regular, loud snoring is the most noticeable symptom of a sleep apnea problem. Snoring in combination with one or more other symptoms, such as interrupted breathing during snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, restless sleep, poor judgment and loss of concentration during the day, irritability, memory loss, high blood pressure, depression, obesity, a neck size larger then 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women, a morning headaches, sexual dysfunction, frequent urination during the night, or a constricted airway could indicate a condition that left untreated could result in serious health problems.

Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and affects one in three adults. Undiagnosed physical problems with breathing or muscle activity: or misuse and overuse of sleeping pills can contribute to a troubled sleep.

Childhood Sleep Disorders
Sleeptalking, sleepwalking, nightmares and nocturnal seizures are less common, but occur in close to five percent of the population.

The Consultants in Neurology sleep specialists can diagnosis these breathing and sleep disorders. Early treatment can prevent and often reverse the possible dire consequences that can result from these problems. The keys are recognition of the problem by the patient, correct diagnosis by the physician, and successful treatment of the identified problem(s).

An Appointment
An initial interview is conducted with the patient and the patient's bed partner. A comprehensive sleep history and identification of nighttime problems is developed. An initial evaluation is completed based on the information provided. At this point, we determine whether to begin treatment or to continue testing.

The Sleep Lab
The sleep laboratory is the place where a patient sleeps for one or two nights while being monitored. Overnight Polysomonography is the monitoring of the sleep. Sensors are positioned at various locations on the body to monitor brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, breathing and other sleep functions. A computer compares the results to established norms for healthy people of all ages.

Treatment
Once an accurate diagnosis is completed, effective treatment is often available to resolve the sleep disorder. The treatment is based on the diagnosis, but the sooner treatment can begin, the sooner the patient will get a good night's sleep, which will lead to good health and an active lifestyle.