Sleep Medicine

Sleep medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the quality, timing and duration of sleep, as well as problems that cause excessive daytime sleepiness or unsafe behaviors during sleep. Because sleep affects brain function, mood, memory, concentration and physical health, untreated sleep disorders can affect nearly every part of daily life.

Conditions commonly evaluated in sleep medicine include:

• Sleep apnea: Breathing slows or stops multiple times during sleep
• Upper airway resistance: Causes excessive snoring from collapsed airways
• Insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep, falling asleep or waking up earlier than desired wake up time
• Restless legs syndrome: Urge to move the legs and uncontrollable nighttime movements
• Parasomnia: Talking, dream enactment, walking or eating during sleep
• Narcolepsy: Sudden periods of uncontrollable sleep during daily activities
• Circadian rhythm disorders: When your internal clock doesn’t match external time

A sleep evaluation may be helpful when symptoms begin to affect energy, concentration, mood, safety or overall health. Many people live with sleep problems for years without realizing that poor sleep may be connected to memory problems, reduced productivity, irritability, headaches or increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

You may benefit from sleep medicine services if you:

• Snore loudly, gasp for air or appear to stop breathing during sleep
• Have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up too early
• Wake feeling tired even after what seems like enough time in bed
• Feel unusually sleepy during the day or struggle to stay alert
• Experience unusual movements or behaviors during sleep

Diagnosis starts with a careful review of symptoms, sleep habits, medical history, medications and daily routines. This step helps the care team understand not only what is happening at night, but also how sleep is affecting daytime function, mood, cognition and overall health.

When more information is needed, testing may include an overnight sleep study in a sleep center or a home sleep apnea test, depending on the symptoms being evaluated. Some patients may also be asked to keep a sleep diary or complete detailed questionnaires so patterns can be identified over time.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, the severity of symptoms, related medical conditions and the patient’s daily routine. The goal is not only to improve sleep, but also to support better daytime function, reduce health risks and create a plan that patients can realistically follow.

Treatment may include:

• Positive airway pressure therapy, such as CPAP, for conditions including sleep apnea
• Medication for selected sleep and wake disorders, including restless legs syndrome or narcolepsy
• Behavioral treatment for insomnia, when appropriate
• Guidance to improve sleep habits, routines and circadian alignment
• Coordination with other specialties when a related condition needs additional care

Untreated sleep disorders can affect much more than nightly rest. Over time, they may contribute to daytime fatigue, reduced concentration, mood changes, drowsy driving, reduced work performance and strain on relationships and daily routines.

Some sleep disorders are also associated with broader health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, depression and cognitive difficulties. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms sooner and may reduce the risk of complications.

Sleep medicine care is often an ongoing process rather than a one-time visit. After treatment begins, your specialist may adjust the plan based on symptoms, comfort, response to therapy and any changes in your health or daily routine.

Follow-up care may include checking treatment progress, reviewing sleep patterns, addressing barriers to treatment and coordinating with other specialists when needed. This approach helps support steady improvement in sleep quality, daytime alertness and overall well-being.