Identifying Sleep Disorders
Sleep deprivation, caused by insufficient sleep or poor quality of sleep, impairs the body’s immune system, physical reflexes, emotional stability and cognitive functions. It can also lead to increased muscle, joint and nerve pain. Sleep disorders can be caused by pain, or they can be a symptom of other serious illnesses such as clinical depression, heart disease or sleep apnea.
Your initial medical evaluation at the Kaplan Medical Center will include a comprehensive assessment of your sleep history. In developing your treatment plan, your Kaplan physician will consider all of your options, including the need for a comprehensive sleep study and specialized medication to help restore healthy sleep patterns.
Our physicians understand the relationship between sleep disorders and pain, and they have experience prescribing the newer medications that can help restore delta-wave sleep. They also have expertise using alternative approaches, such as mind/body relaxation techniques, acupuncture, herbal and homeopathic remedies and lifestyle changes including better nutrition and increased exercise that can improve both your sleep and your overall health.
Additional Resources:
Article: Sleep Disorders: How They Affect Us & How To Lay Them to Rest by Gary Kaplan, D.O.
Take the "8-Question Epworth Sleepiness Scale" to see if you or a loved one might be suffering with sleep apnea.
Watch an animated illustration of how sleep apnea affects your airways (created by NIH).
|
