Many people experience trouble sleeping at one time or another. But for some, a restless night is routine, often interfering with daily life. If your sleep problems are a regular occurrence, you may need to be evaluated for a sleep disorder.

Types of sleep disorders

Sleep disorders are characterized by abnormal sleep patterns that interfere with physical, mental, and emotional functioning. There are many types of sleep disorders that can affect your health and quality of life. Some of these disorders include:

• Insomnia
  

• Sleep apnea
  

• Sleepwalking
  

• Bedwetting
  

• Nightmares
  

• Night terror
  

• Restless legs syndrome
  

• Snoring
  

• Narcolepsy
  

But, how do you know if what you're experiencing is a sleep disorder or a temporary disruption to your routine?

Signs and symptoms of a sleep disorder

Answer the questions below - if you experience one or more of these issues frequently, you should speak to your primary care physician or one of our sleep specialist about evaluation and treatment options.

Do you:

• feel irritable or sleepy during the day?

• have difficulty staying awake when sitting still, watching television or reading?

• fall asleep or feel very tired while driving?

• have difficulty concentrating?

• often get told by others that you look tired?

• react slowly?

• have trouble controlling your emotions?

• feel like you have to take a nap almost every day?

• require caffeinated beverages to keep yourself going?

It's common to experience occasional sleep issues from time to time. But when those issues become an every night occurrence, it may be time to seek medical help.  

Evaluation and treatment

Quality, uninterrupted sleep is vital to good health. Even a mild sleep disorder can cause a myriad of issues including depression, fatigue and irritability, and can increase your risk for heart conditions. So it's important to seek treatment if you suspect you might have a sleep disorder. Specialists at The Christ Hospital Sleep Centers offer many options to diagnose sleep disorders and find the right treatment for you. 

When you call to set up your sleep evaluation, we will direct you to one of our four physicians, who are board-certified in sleep medicine, to schedule a sleep disorders office consultation. To better serve you, our four specialists have offices located throughout Greater Cincinnati and in southeastern Indiana.

At your appointment, we will ask you for a thorough medical and sleep history. This information will determine if you need further testing and evaluation. Testing might consist of a simple test you can perform at your home or it may involve overnight testing in one of our comfortable, home-like sleep centers.

Once testing is complete, you will meet with the physician or nurse practitioner again to evaluate your test results and go over any recommended treatment options.

Overnight sleep study

As part of your consultation, your doctor may recommend an overnight sleep study in one of our sleep centers.  This type of evaluation is easy and painless. You sleep in a comfortable private room while our sleep experts monitor you from a separate room.

Our experts record and evaluate your:

• Blood oxygen level
  
• Body position
  
• Brain waves
  
• Breathing pattern
  
• Eye movements
  
• Heart rate
  
• Limb movement
  
• Snoring and other noises

Why choose The Christ Hospital Sleep Centers

In addition to our experienced physicians and clinical staff, led by sleep specialist and Medical Director, Dr. Kanagarajan, The Christ Hospital Sleep Centers are all accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. 

Our overnight sleep centers offer a comfortable, home-like atmosphere that includes: 

• Private bedroom suite with queen-size bed

• Private full bathroom

• Temperature-controlled room

• In-room cable or satellite TV