Sleep Lab

 

Each of us expects and deserves a good night’s sleep. For many, sleeping is a struggle. Millions of Americans suffer from sleep disorders.

 

Sleep is not just a time-out from daily life. It's an active state that is essential for mental and physical restoration. 

If you or someone you know suffers from a sleep disorder, we can help you diagnose the problem. With a referral from your physician, schedule a sleep study by calling 830-997-1418

The Sleep Lab offers diagnosis and help for:

• Snoring

• Sleep apnea

• Narcolepsy

• Insomnia

• Periodic Limb Movements of sleep

 

In nearly every case of sleep disorder, there’s an effective treatment available.

 


What is a sleep lab?

A sleep lab can help your doctor diagnose your sleep disorder so that it can be effectively treated. The primary sleep lab test is a polysomnogram. It is an important diagnostic study for those who have trouble staying awake during the day due to a sleep disorder. Symptoms include snoring, cessation of breathing and leg-kicking during sleep. The polysomnogram is performed only by a doctor’s order.

 

Snoring

Restful sleep requires quiet surroundings, and snoring can be annoying. It can disrupt your sleep, as well as that of those around you. These disruptions can have a significant impact on your relationship with your spouse or other family members. Snoring is frequently a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition.

 

Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing for brief periods during sleep. These periods can last from 10 seconds to a minute or more. Apnea occurs when the tissues in the back of the throat relax so much that they fall back and block the passage of air. As a result, people with this type of sleep problem must wake up in order to breathe. This brief awakening can occur hundreds of times a night and often places a stress on the cardiovascular system.


Narcolepsy 

Narcolepsy is a condition of undesirable sleepiness at inappropriate times occurring with onset in younger years of life. Excessive daytime sleepiness is also a common symptom of narcolepsy.

 

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep. One in three American adults experience one of three types of insomnia:

  • Transient insomnia: inability to sleep well for several nights; usually triggered by excitement or stress

  • Short-term insomnia: usually lasts two to three weeks and is the result of ongoing stress at home or at work

  • Chronic insomnia: poor sleep most nights or every night

Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep

PLMS is common in Americans over the age of 65. When these twitching or involuntary muscle jerks in the legs are frequent, the person often has significant daytime sleepiness.

 

When to seek professional help 

You should visit a health care provider if any of these symptoms are affecting your life. You may be one of many who have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.