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Overview
Sleep is an integral part of human existence.
We spend a third of our lives sleeping. Sleep influences our physical, psychological and social well-being. About 70 million
Americans suffer from a sleep disturbance which may be comprised of a broad range of problems. Many sleep disorders cause an
increase in daytime sleepiness and an increase in road traffic accidents. Through clinical research, it has been found that
there are more than 80 sleeping disorders. Some of the most common sleep disorders are listed below. NorthStar Sleep Center
can offer solutions to these common and debilitating sleep disruptions by providing proper diagnosis and treatment of the
disorder. By enhancing your sleeping hours, your waking ones will improve as well.
The Role of NorthStar
Expert Care
Dr. Zachary Webb, director of NorthStar's Sleep Disorders Center is a board-certified and fellowship-trained sleep
specialist. Dr. Webb provides patients with expert, comprehensive care from initial diagnosis to treatment and resolution.
Greater Comfort
All sleep studies are conducted in relaxing, private rooms with all the amenities you'd expect at a comfortable hotel.
Follow up care and treatment take place at the same convenient location.
Definitive Results
NorthStar's success rate remains considerably higher than other sleep disorder centers because we go beyond diagnosis by
providing comprehensive follow up care and treatment.
Common Sleep Disorders
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most serious sleep disorder, OSA is periodic obstruction of the upper airway during sleep and has a prevalence rate of
three to eight percent. Periods of apnea can last up to 90 seconds and may occur several hundred times per night. OSA is the
most common medical cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and is more common in men.
Symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud, habitual snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability/Personality changes
- Obesity
- Choking/Gasping/snorts during sleep
- Hypertension
- Non-refreshing sleep/inability to wake up
- Daytime fatigue
- Memory and concentration problems
- Morning headaches
- Upper airway abnormalities
- Frequent napping
- Nocturnal Angina/Arrhythmias
- Frequent awakenings
- Sexual problems
Diagnosis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea should be made by pertinent history, physical examination, oximetry
and polysomnography. Most people benefit from appropriate evaluation, treatment and follow-up.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy has a prevalence rate of five per 100,000 population.
Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Cataplexy (physical weakness with emotion)
- Hypnagogic hallucinations
- Sleep paralysis (occurs upon awakening)
- Automatic behavior
- Low concentration
- Occupational/School problems
Symptoms may appear rapidly or develop slowly over the years. The cause of Narcolepsy is still unknown but
shows strong familial clustering.
Periodic Limb Movements (PLM)
PLM is characterized by rhythmic jerking of the feet or legs. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is described as a "creeping, crawling"
sensation that creates an urge to move the legs. Its prevalence rate is two to five percent.
Symptoms of PLM and RLS include:
- "Creepy" or "jumpy" legs
- Unpleasant sensation during sleep
- Insomnia/Non-refreshing sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Increased activity
- Restless sleep
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements is highly effective for 90 percent of patients
seeking help.
Insomnia
In its chronic form, insomnia affects approximately nine percent of the population. It can last for weeks, months, or even years and may
be related to the following:
- Worry, anxiety or stress
- Psychiatric disorders
- Primary sleep disorders
- Substance abuse
- Medical problems
- Behavioral/Conditional factors
Those with chronic insomnia may experience reduced productivity and accidents as a result of fatigue.
Because insomnia is a symptom, the physician must search for the cause. Over 70 percent of insomnia sufferers sleep better
after appropriate evaluation and treatment.
Parasomnia
Parasomnia refers to a wide variety of disruptive, sleep-related events or "disorders of arousal". These arousal disorders include:
- Sleep walking
- Sleep terrors (pavor nocturnes)
- Nightmares
- Partial seizures
- Violent behavior during sleep
- REM behavior disorder (acting out dreams)
Severe cases may lead to injury, violence, excessive eating, or disturbance of others in the bed or the house.
In most cases, Parasomnia can be effectively diagnosed and treated
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