Sleep Disorder Specialist

What is a sleep disorder?

It’s not uncommon to experience nights where you can’t seem to fall or stay asleep. But if you’re experiencing frequent nights of insomnia or often feel fatigued despite getting a good night’s rest, you may struggle with a sleep disorder.

Common types of sleep disorders include:

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which you can’t fall or stay asleep. You may develop insomnia from an illness, certain medication, stress, or jet lag. Over time, your inability to get an adequate amount of rest may affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. 

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. The sleep disorder occurs due to a dysfunction in the part of your brain that controls sleep and movement.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which you snore and intermittently stop breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea is a dangerous, but treatable, sleep disorder. 

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

RLS is a sleep disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night while you sleep. The urge may be triggered by tingling, burning, or aching sensations you feel in your legs. 

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder is a condition in which a patient's time clock that regulates the sleep cycle is out of order. Sometimes, patients have difficulty going to sleep and cannot get up in the morning. In some cases, they sleep during the day and have difficulty sleeping at night. 

What are the symptoms of a sleep disorder?

Symptoms of a sleep disorder vary in type and severity depending on the condition affecting your sleep. Common symptoms include:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Irritability
• Difficulty staying awake while watching TV, reading, or in class
• Poor concentration
• Feeling and looking tired
• Slow reaction time
• Difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep

With a sleep disorder, you may also find yourself reaching for caffeinated beverages to help shake off your fatigue or feel the need to nap during the day. 

What can I expect during a sleep disorder consultation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation at Athena Medical Clinic and Sleep Medicine Associates of Athens when you come in with concerns about a sleep disorder. The full-service internal medicine practice specializes in the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders in adults and children. 

During your evaluation, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical and family history, the types of medications and supplements you take, your usual diet and exercise habits, and your daily stresses, then conducts a physical exam. Bloodwork may be requested to confirm or rule out a condition that may contribute to your sleep disorder.

To better understand your sleep issues and provide a definitive diagnosis, Athena Medical Clinic and Sleep Medicine Associates of Athens may recommend a sleep study at the on-site sleep lab.

To get the comprehensive care you need from the sleep medicine experts, call Athena Medical Clinic and Sleep Medicine Associates of Athens or schedule an appointment online today.