nightime moon

Are You Sleeping?
This quiz could improve your zzzzz.

Check the box for any of these that apply to you:

I am told that I snore loudly
I am told that I stop breathing while I sleep
I am tired during waking hours almost daily
I sweat excessively while I sleep
I am told that I am restless while sleeping
I often awake with headaches and dry mouth
I have high blood pressure
I am told that I am irritable to friends and family
I feel sleepy during waking hours, have difficulty staying alert, and fight sleepiness often
I have fallen asleep while driving or in social settings
I am told that I kick or jerk while sleeping
I experience leg pain or muscle cramping while sleeping
I notice my child breathes noisily
I am told I exhibit unusual behavior while sleeping (i.e., nightmares, night terrors, sleep eating)

How many boxes did you check? __________

If you checked off any of the boxes on this sleep quiz, be sure to share your responses with your JWM neurologist right away.

Sleep disorders

Sleep disorders, if left untreated, can increase the chances of having high blood pressure, heart attacks, heart failure, and even strokes. We want to help you reduce these common health risks. Talk with your physician or contact JWM if you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms:
  • Loud snoring
  • Stopped breathing episodes during sleep
  • Early morning headaches
  • Daytime sleepiness (falling asleep watching TV, while driving, or at work)
  • Tired frequently
  • Tingling in the legs during evenings or nights - interfering with sleep
  • Difficulty sleeping

We can help

JWM Neurology offers patients comprehensive sleep disorders services. Our board certified physicians treat Sleep Apnea and other common sleep disorders.

Common Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a breathing disorder that occurs during sleep. Typically, it is accompanied by loud snoring. Sleep apnea consists of brief periods throughout while sleeping in which breathing actually stops. People with sleep apnea do not get enough oxygen during sleep.

Sleep Apnea is treated in different ways, depending on the type a patient has. Many times, it can be controlled by behavioral changes. In more serious cases, a device is utilized that keeps the airway open. Surgery may be performed in cases where other treatments are not working.

Insomnia

Insomnia is the inability to sleep. It can be difficulty in initially falling asleep at night, staying asleep or awakening too early in the morning. Depending on the type of insomnia, insomnia can last anywhere from a few nights to weeks and months of sleeplessness.

Insomnia can be controlled in many ways, depending upon the cause. For instance, a neurologist might identify certain behaviors that can cause insomnia, and work with the patient to reduce or completely stop those behaviors. Certain medications designed to help induce sleep (under the direction of a physician) can be utilized. Various behavioral techniques are also used.

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a central nervous condition which causes excessive sleepiness. Sleep periods may be excessively deep or prolonged. It may also cause difficulty in awakening. Treatment of hypersomnia may include behavioral changes and introducing good sleep habits. Use of stimulants under the direction of a physician is sometimes also utilized.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic disorder affecting the portion of the brain where regulation of sleep and wakefulness take place. Narcolepsy can cause you to fall asleep while at work, driving a car, or talking. No matter how much sleep they get, those who have this condition experience an irresistible need to sleep. Narcolepsy episodes can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. There is no cure for Narcolepsy, however, it is often treated with certain medications to reduce the symptoms.

Restless Legs

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a condition which causes discomfort in the legs. This feeling is similar to a crawling or tingling sensation and sometimes pain. Those who have this condition often experience these symptoms while trying to fall asleep at night. Walking around, warm showers, and rubbing the legs often relieve RLS.

JWM Neurology