The impact of sleep disorders on a person's general health is becoming more evident. Physicians use a range of  diagnostic tests to evaluate and treat a variety of sleep problems. Typically, patients suffer from sleep apnea, weakened breathing muscles, asthma symptoms that worsen during sleep or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Physicians, nurses and other professionals who are trained to appropriately diagnose and treat sleep-related problems are involved in sleep studies. A typical sleep study measures the amount of air the patient breathes during sleep, the effort required to breathe, cardiac rhythm, brain waves, muscle tone and blood oxygen levels.

Patients with sleep-disordered breathing are treated with a wide range of therapies. Noninvasive ventilatory support, including nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is employed on a case-by-case basis. Other therapeutic options may include oxygen, weight control/reduction, and/or timing of medication. Physicians are also skilled in performing sleep apnea surgery, including uvulopalatopharyngoplasty - the surgical resection of excessive tissue in the back of the throat.

Get Some Sleep!

Sleep isn't just "time out" from daily life. Sleeping is an active state, essential for renewing mental and physical health daily. Over 100 million Americans regularly fail to get a good night's sleep as a result of a sleep disorder. Sleep disorders can lower a person's quality of life and reduce personal health. Read more about sleep issues.