Sleep Apnea, Snoring, Narcolepsy,
Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders.

THE SLEEP SITE

BRINGING SECRETS OF THE NIGHT TO THE LIGHT OF DAY...

Understanding the symptoms of sleep disorders.

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SLEEPINESS.


Sleepiness can arise for several basic reasons: poor quality or insufficient sleep, impaired brain wakefulness mechanisms, or both.

-If severe sleepiness develops or progressively worsens in an adult--particularly if snoring or obesity are present--consider SLEEP APNEA first.

-Sleepiness in children and teenagers can also reflect SLEEP APNEA, but in the absence of snoring and factors that make it more difficult to breathe (such as large tonsils and adenoids or nasal congestion), impairment of brain wakefulness mechanisms should be considered. One example: NARCOLEPSY. Another: IDIOPATHIC CNS HYPERSOMNIA.

-Always consider such factors as inadequate sleep and the many medications that can cause sleepiness--including many over the counter drugs such as antihistamines and even some health food preparations! At the same time, though, if sleepiness is severe, sleep-related illnesses must not be overlooked. They are common, frequently serious, and usually treatable.

Sleepiness is usually underestimated by the person with the problem!

-Sleepiness at the wheel is much more likely to cause deaths and severe injuries than either heart attacks or convulsions occurring while driving. The latter two problems usually cause warning symptoms that allow the person to "pull over". In contrast, sleepy drivers usually do not sense their impairment. The result: high speed crashes with no attempt to brake.

-For this reason, if others think you are too sleepy and you disagree, odds favor their being correct. You should heed their concerns!

When people with pathologic sleepiness do not sense it, what symptoms might they notice instead?

-Poor memory and/or confusion.

-Irritability; depression.

-Worsening job performance.

-Inefficiency and mistakes.

-"Automatic behavior". Performance of activities, including driving, on "autopilot" with inability to recall details of what happened during those activities.

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Columbus, Ohio, Central Ohio, hospitalssleep, wake, insomnia, sleepiness 

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

e-mail: flamenco@netexp.net 

 © Copyright 2006 Robert W. Clark M.D. Inc.