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Millions of Americans suffer from sleepiness during normal waking hours. This is not healthy for them or those around them. Sleepiness affects people when they are not getting proper sleep, which may be caused by several different factors. Should someone experience sleepiness for three or more days per week, it is strongly suggested that they visit their family physician for further evaluation.

IMPORTANT: The information contained on/within this web site/web page is provided as a public service by REM Sleep Diagnostics, which is soley responsible for any/all content. NO attempt to provide clinical diagnosis and/or treatment of/for any medical condition is made, offered, or inferred herein. Sleep Disorders may indicate, or, present in and of themselves, (a) serious health condition(s). Consult your primary care physician or other appropriate medical professional, should you suspect that you, or someone you know, may have a Sleep Disorder(s)

Two very important aspects of the REM Sleep Diagnostics mission are providing information designed to raise awareness about sleep disorders, and helping to educate the general public, patients, and health professionals regarding some of the most common types of sleep disorders.

"While it is hoped that you will find information presented on this website useful and informative, it should not be considered to be definitive as to the topics presented. Nor should any of this information be considered as intended for use in diagnosing or treating any disorder or disease. As with any medical condition, sleep disorders, while often serious in and of themselves, can be an indication or symptom of an even more serious condtion. Persons should always consult a licensed medical physician prior to beginning any treatment or regimen."
- John Childers, RRT, RPST.

Patients who may be experiencing a Sleep Disorder often complain of one or more of the following symptoms:

• Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep at night.
• Sleepiness at inappropriate times during the day.
• Prominent Snoring.
• Gasping or choking during sleep.
• Restless, uncomfortable legs during the evening or at night.
• Unusual events occuring during sleep, such as: walking, talking, or nightmares.

Poor Sleep Hygiene

Many sleep disorders are related to a physical, psychological, or biological condition, but some are merely the result of poor sleep hygiene, which refers to a variety of behaviors that can influence the quality or quantity of sleep. Improving such poor hygiene can be accomplished by integrating simple behavior modification techniques into the patient's daily routine. Such techniques may include making the bedroom a "restful" environment, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, using relaxation techniques, getting more exercise, and eliminating the use of stimulants prior to bed.

Mood/Anxiety Disorders

Up to half of all chronic insomnias are caused by depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or chronic psychoses. Appropriate treatment of these psychiatric disorders generally leads to improved sleep. Persistent sleep problems after psychiatric treatment may indicate the presence of another underlying cause of insomnia; in particular, many of the new antidepressants may produce insomnia.

Medications

Multiple prescription medications may produce or aggravate insomnia. Some antidepressants, corticosteroids, antihypertensives, decongestants, or bronchodilators require particular consideration in a patient presenting with insomnia. When taking any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, it is always a good idea to check first with a licensed pharmacist or your medical doctor(s) to discuss doseages and any possible contradiction(s) and/or side effect(s).