Redmond Regional Sleep Disorders Center

The Science of Sleep

Do you constantly feel tired? Is your performance on the job not as good as it once was? Do your loved ones tell you that you are often irritable? It's not just you. These symptoms could indicate a sleep disorder, a physiological problem that the latest advancements in sleep science address.

If you are experiencing a persistent sleeping problem that is affecting your performance either at work or socially, or if your physician suspects that a sleep disorder may be contributing to or causing medical problems, the Sleep Disorders Center at Redmond Regional Medical Center can help. According to the National Commission of Sleep, "Each year, the lives of millions of American men, women, and children are disturbed, disrupted or destroyed by sleep deprivation, sleep disorders, or sleep disturbances." Break the cycle. Seek help. We're here waiting to ensure that you can get a good night's sleep once again.

The first step toward recovery is identifying the type of sleep disorder. There are many types, usually falling into one of the following major categories:

Insomnia - A persistent inability to initiate or maintain sleep. Insomnia is associated with daytime fatigue and sleepiness, and most of its causes can be diagnosed and treated effectively.

Sleep Apnea - A life-threatening disorder which causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during your sleep. In virtually all cases this condition can be evaluated and treated with remarkable results.

Narcolepsy - A lifelong disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day and muscle weakness triggered by sudden emotional reactions like laughter or fear. Some Narcolepsy patients experience vivid dream-like scenes or paralysis upon falling asleep or awakening. This condition can be significantly improved with education and medication.

Hypersomnia - Sleeping too much or at inappropriate times. Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy are the chief causes of Hypersomnia.

Parasomnia - Problems, such as nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, abnormal movements, chest pain, and bedwetting, that occur only during sleep or are brought about by sleep. These are common in children and may worsen in adolescents and adults.

Disorders of the Sleep/Wake Schedule - Occurs when the opportunity to sleep does not coincide with the body's ability to stay awake and to sleep. This problem often occurs with patients who work rotating or shift schedules, suffer from jet lag, or have insufficient sleep syndrome. This disorder can become progressive and chronic.

Chronic fatigue - An ongoing feeling of tiredness, malaise, sleepiness, boredom, or depression. Chronic fatigue has various causes but can be associated with a sleep disorder.

Symptoms While Asleep

• Loud, irregular snoring, snorting or gasping for breath
• Sudden body movements before the person starts to breathe again
• Excessive sweating during sleep
• Irregular pounding or beating of the heart when gasping for breath

Symptoms While Awake

• Excessive daytime sleeping or fatigue
• Complaints of insomnia or lack of restful sleep
• Rapid weight gain sometimes to the point of obesity
• Confusion or brief memory loss
• Unexplained morning headaches
• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Personality changes
• Irritability

Fortunately, there are many proven treatments for sleep disorders that help patients lead longer, healthier, more productive lives. The Sleep Disorders Center, located at Redmond Regional Medical Center, was the first center in Northwest Georgia to earn accreditation. It offers diagnostic testing of sleep-wake disorders on an outpatient basis. The patient's physiological responses are recorded during the most crucial time -- while s/he sleeps. In a comfortable, home-like environment specially trained sleep technicians using state-of-the-art testing equipment will monitor sleep. The data is interpreted and forwarded with treatment recommendations to the patient's referring physician. Patients are on their way to a good night's sleep.

One out of every three Americans suffers from sleep problems. Ninety-five percent of all sleep disorder cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. Be smart, seek help.

If you would like more information about sleep disorders or our facility, please call us. Help is available at (706)802-3955.