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.
Locations & Hours
Sleep Apnea
One Sleep Culprit...
Apnea derives from a Greek word meaning "lack of air." It is estimated that 9% of all males and 4% of all females have some form of sleep disorder. One of the most common—and potentially life-threatening—sleep disorders is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is defined as the cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds during sleep. This leads to a drop in oxygen in the blood and an interruption in sleep patterns. Patients generally awaken and still feel tired no matter how much time they have spent in bed. This is known as Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS).
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
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Excessive daytime sleepiness—a "tired feeling" all the time or at inappropriate times
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Morning headaches
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Loud snoring with periods of silence or gasps
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Dozing while driving
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Memory and/or judgment problems
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Irritability
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Personality changes
Sleep Apnea Questionnaire
Do you...
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know that you snore or are told that you snore?
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often get sleepy in the daytime?
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feel drowsy when driving?
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wake up with morning headaches?
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have frequent memory or judgement problems during the day?
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experience frequent irritability during the day?
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notice or are told you have a personality change?
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wake up and/or make frequent trips to the bathroom during the night?
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weigh 20% or more than your ideal body weight?
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have a neck size 17 inches or greater (male) or 16 inches or greater (female)?
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have high blood pressure?
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have a decrease in sexual drive?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, especially snoring (#1) with excessive sleepiness (#2) or drowsy when driving (#3), you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Please talk with your physician.
Risk Factors For Sleep Apnea
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Obesity: 20% heavier than ideal body weight
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Large neck girth: 17 inches or greater in males and 16 inches or greater in females
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Male gender
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Anatomic abnormalities, such as large tonsils, adenoids, etc.
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Family history
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Alcohol or sedative use
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Lung disease
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Age greater than 65
For more information, please call 641-444-5671 or 515-532-9351.
