Sleep/Neuro Study

When Counting Sheep No Longer Works 

Iowa Specialty Hospital's sleep study program provides patients with the best diagnostic equipment to ensure a comfortable, private atmosphere during their sleep study. 

Sleep disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that impact the quality, timing, and quantity of sleep, affecting your overall well-being. With over 80 different types of sleep disorders, these conditions can disrupt your ability to fall and stay asleep, leading to daytime fatigue and impairment of regular activities.

The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) categorizes these disorders into various types:

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling and staying asleep.
• Sleep-related breathing disorders: Changes in breathing patterns during sleep, such as snoring or interruptions in breathing.
• Central disorders of hypersomnolence: Difficulty maintaining alertness during the day.
• Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders: Disruptions in the internal body clock affecting sleep and wake times.
• Parasomnias: Physical actions or expressions during sleep stages, such as walking or talking.
• Sleep-related movement disorders: Physical movements or urges to move that interfere with sleep.

Sleep Disorders Are More Common Than You Think

More than 50 million people in the United States suffer from sleep-related disorders, with over 100 million reporting inadequate sleep. Symptoms range from difficulty falling asleep to daytime sleepiness, snoring, and cognitive impairments.

Sleep disorders may arise from various causes, including underlying medical or mental health conditions, genetic factors, medications, substance use, working night shifts, or unknown reasons. Certain risk factors, such as underlying health conditions, stress, late-night shifts, and family history, increase susceptibility to sleep disorders.

Common sleep disorders include: 

• chronic insomnia 
• obstructive sleep apnea
• restless legs syndrome
• Narcolepsy 
• shift work sleep disorder
• delayed sleep phase syndrome
• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Insomnia

Lack of adequate sleep increases the risk of cognitive difficulties, personality changes, and slower reaction times, and contributes to medical conditions like depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. While rare, some sleep disorders can pose life-threatening risks.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing sleep disorders involves a thorough physical exam, symptom review, and various tests, such as blood tests or imaging. Keeping a sleep diary or undergoing a sleep study (polysomnogram) may be recommended.

Treatment options vary and may include changes to sleep routine, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines, or light therapy. Medications like melatonin, zolpidem, or stimulants may be prescribed based on the specific disorder.

If experiencing sleep-related issues, consult a healthcare provider who may recommend seeing a sleep specialist. Regular follow-ups, discussions about treatment effectiveness, and addressing potential side effects are crucial for managing sleep disorders effectively.

Remember, quality sleep is integral to overall health, and seeking professional help at a sleep clinic can significantly improve your well-being.

Iowa Specialty Hospital's sleep study program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for compliance with a comprehensive set of national standards.  By choosing an Iowa hospital that has achieved ACHC accreditation, you can take comfort in knowing that you will receive the highest quality of care.

To learn about sleep apnea, please visit our Sleep Apnea page.

For more information, please call 641-444-5671 or 515-532-9351.