According to the National Sleep Foundation, almost 74 percent of all Americans do not get enough sleep each night. And lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and fatigue. To help combat this growing problem, Holy Rosary Healthcare opened its Sleep Center to provide on-site, convenient assessment for insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and other sleep problems.
Initial Assessments
Assessments are provided at Holy Rosary by Thomas Thigpen, M.D., D.A.B.S.M., a board-certified pulmonologist and fellow of sleep medicine. If needed, patients are referred for a sleep study - also conducted on site at Holy Rosary - to help further evaluate their condition.
The Sleep Center's pediatric neurologist provides specialized assessment and treatment for children with sleep disorders. As problems with childhood insomnia continue to grow, studies show that children with sleep problems are twice as likely to abuse drugs when teenagers. Sleep problems also affect school performance and social abilities.
Symptoms
All sleep patterns and needs vary, depending on the individual. If you feel rested and are not relying on stimulants, no matter how unusual your sleep habits are, you probably don't have a serious sleeping problem. However, you should watch for symptoms and seek medical treatment from your physician should sleep become a problem. Some symptoms include:
- Loud snoring
- Inability to fall or stay asleep
- Pauses in breath during sleep
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Difficulty concentrating
- Energy loss
- Lack of initiative
- Fatigue
- Memory lapses
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Bed wetting
- Teeth grinding
- Weariness
- Hypertension
- Restless legs
- Sleep walking
- Night terrors
Scheduling An Appointment
Those who exhibit any symptoms are encouraged to call their primary care physician or schedule an appointment with the Sleep Center. Initial assessments do not require a physician's referral. After a detailed evaluation by one of the Sleep Center physicians, the recommendation may be made for appropriate therapy or further evaluation.
For More Information
To learn more about the Sleep Center or to schedule an appointment, please call our program at 1-866-476-6737.
