SLEEP APNEA, SNORING,
NARCOLEPSY, INSOMNIA
AND OTHER CAUSES OF DAYTIME FATIGUE
Sleepiness--whether due to sleep apnea, heavy snoring, idiopathic hypersomnolence, narcolepsy or insomnia from any number of sleep-related disorders--threatens millions of Americans' health and economic security. For example, sleep apnea is associated with heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms, convulsions, memory problems, slowed thinking, irritability, mood swings, depression and high velocity motor vehicle crashes. Furthermore, sleep apnea has been diagnosed in up to 10% of men over age 40! Loud snoring often indicates apnea problems and increased risk of severe sleepiness and medical complications. Insomnia is not a disease but a description--and it can be a sign of nocturnal apneas, seizures and other disorders--some of which will be aggravated by hypnotics!
These disorders cause decreased productivity, increased health care costs, increased risk of accidents and injuries, and increased employer liability. Massive economic losses result from failure to diagnose and manage these treatable problems: which are becoming more common because of our worsening national sleep debt and increasing prevalence of obesity.
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY HEALTH
REGIONAL SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER
Accredited by the American
Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Robert W. Clark, M.D., Medical
Director
1430 South High Street, Columbus OH 43207
Tel: [614] 443-7800
Fax: [614] 443-6960