man sitting up in bed in the middle of the night as his girlfriend sleeps peacefully behind him

ADULT SLEEP

PROBLEMS

IN ELLICOTT CITY, MD

SLEEP – THE NEW SILENT KILLER 

Chances are that someone you know has an undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorder that is harming their health. In fact, that someone may be you. The symptoms of this sleep disorder may presently be mild or severe but one thing is certain – these symptoms will only worsen if the underlying disorder is left untreated. So please, pay careful attention to this information. It could save your life.

Silent Killers

There are several medical disorders that can strike without warning. Diabetes and high blood pressure are called silent killers because the symptoms often go unrecognized.

*   26 million people in this country have diabetes – 7 million don’t know that they have it.

*   75 million adults have high blood pressure – 20 million don’t know they have it.

As shocking as these statistics may be, there’s an even more common undiagnosed issue that can put these numbers to shame.

WHAT IS SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING?

There may be 200 million people in this country that have sleep disordered breathing, and most of them don’t know it.

You may be aware of the potential dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is a clinical condition caused by obstruction of the upper airway, causing the patient to choke and gasp for air overnight.

We know that the damaging and sometimes deadly effects of obstructive sleep apnea are due to sleep interruption, oxygen deprivation, and the effects of the “fight or flight” stress response that happens each time the patient stops breathing. The following symptoms are all known to result from sleep apnea:

  1. Chronic sleep interruption can lead to fatigue, low performance due to mental fog, poor memory consolidation, and accidental death.
  2. Oxygen deprivation can damage the brain and every other organ in the body, as well as leave you exhausted for most of the day.
  3. Chronic stress will also damage the brain, lower immunity and create emotional and mental havoc.

If you want to learn more about conditions related to or caused by adult sleep problems, check out these links:

  1. Signs of Sleep Issues
  2. Health Effects of Sleep Problems
  3. Sleep Apnea & Snoring
  4. Causes of Sleep Issues

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE DANGEROUS

CONDITIONS

ADULT SLEEP PROBLEMS FAQ

What are the most common adult sleep disorders?

If you’re having trouble sleeping, it could be for a number of reasons. However, studies have shown that the most common adult sleep disorders are:

  • Insomnia
  • Narcolepsy
  • Sleep apnea
  • Restless Leg Syndrome
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

The first step to treating any sleep problems you may be experiencing is to get a proper diagnosis. 

How many people experience adult sleep problems?

According to statistics by the American Sleep Association, 50-75 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder. If you are having trouble sleeping, you are certainly not alone. 

Are adult sleep problems always linked to adult sleep disorders?

Certain life situations, temporary stresses, or other health factors can lead to insomnia and other adult sleep problems. This is usually due to things like temporary anxiety, medication, or other factors that are out of the ordinary. But if you’re regularly having trouble sleeping and it’s affecting your daily life, you most likely have a sleep disorder. 

Why is it so important to diagnose adult sleep disorders?

Getting a diagnosis for your sleep disorder is vital for your overall health. Lack of sleep and too much sleep are linked to many chronic health problems, like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, sleep deprivation often leads to accidents at work, on the road, and at home.

How are adult sleep disorders treated?

Your treatment plan will depend on your specific sleep disorder. They are often treated with a combination of behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. 

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        Adult Sleep Problem

 JULIAN CENTER FOR

 EFFORTLESS SLEEP

           5012 Dorsey Hall Drive , Suite 205
           Ellicott City, MD 21042

           Get Directions

Tel: (410) 964-3118
Fax: (410) 964-3154

Mon: 9am – 5pm
Tue – Thur: 8am – 5pm