About Sleep Disorders

Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Sleep apnea syndrome, (SAS) is one of the most common – and yet potentially deadly – of all sleep disorders. SAS affects as many as 20 million people in the United States, and is generally diagnosed in middle-aged, moderately overweight persons who have a significant history of snoring (though it can also afflict children). “Apnea” means “no breath” or “without breathing;” sleep apnea is defined as a period of time during sleep where the individual fails to breathe for more than 10 seconds. The failure to breathe disrupts regular sleep cycles as the patient wakes (partially or completely) to resume breathing, resulting in constant sleepiness from lack of quality sleep. Over time, consistently poor sleep patterns can cause depression, mood swings, health issues, and a number of other problems that can significantly lower quality of life, and patients with the disorder are at increased risk of events such as automobile accidents, on-the-job injuries, job loss, divorce, and more.

Symptoms of SAS include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Decreased concentration
• Forgetfulness, anxiety
• Morning headaches
• Decreased sexual interest
• High blood pressure
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Weight gain

Insomnia – Primary and Secondary
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder defined as the inability to fall asleep, or stay asleep. There are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary. Secondary insomnia is caused by an identifiable source, such as stress, heartburn, persistent pain, depression, medication, sleep aid habits, or health issues. Primary insomnia is not caused by any of these sources; it simply leaves patients unable to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Symptoms of insomnia include:
• Fatigue
• Lack of energy
• Inability to fall asleep
• Waking earlier than usual
• Inability to return to sleep if woken at night

About the Institute

The trained staff of the Institute for Sleep Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center are experts at diagnosing and treating a variety of sleep disorders, and the Director of the Sleep Institute, Dana Supe, MD, is one of only a few physicians in the region to have earned Board Certification in Sleep Medicine by American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The Institute for Sleep Medicine offers its patients accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, as well as less common disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep movement disorders, and sleep deprivation syndromes. Patients undergo overnight sleep studies in comfortable suites designed to replicate a home sleeping environment, with noninvasive, state-of-the-art equipment recording brain activity, blood oxygen levels, breathing, body position, movements and heart rate. Each room has a private bath, and patients receive complimentary morning breakfast.

One of the Institute’s strongest – and most unique – features is its comprehensive nature, with sleep medicine specialists working in tandem with other specialists to treat all aspects of the sleep disorder. For example, the Institute boasts on-staff Ear, Nose and Throat and periodontal specialists to evaluate and correct obstructive or anatomical causes of sleep disorders. With significant recent evidence establishing connections between sleep disorders and cardiac conditions (such as sleep apnea and congestive heart failure), Deborah’s sleep specialists and cardiologists collaborate to ensure that these conditions are not treated piecemeal, and that patients receive appropriate screenings for potential coexisting conditions.

With a focus on clinical research, the Institute for Sleep Medicine aims not only to provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment to its patients, but to continually advance the discipline. Dr. Supe maintains a strong focus on clinical research. Clinical research efforts not only support the Institute’s physicians in their daily practice and contribute to the body of knowledge of sleep disorders, but it can also help Deborah’s patients be among the first to gain access to the latest treatment options available for these conditions.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is characterized by an overwhelming and uncontrollable desire to sleep during the day. Sudden attacks of deep sleep will occur when a person does not want to fall asleep, and patients with narcolepsy will often wake frequently during nighttime sleep. Narcolepsy can cause a severe disruption in quality of life, and many patients suffer for years before seeing a doctor or receiving proper diagnosis.

Symptoms of narcolepsy include:
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sudden, severe attacks of deep sleep during daytime hours
• Sudden loss of ability to control muscles in the body (this symptom is unique to narcolepsy)
• Hallucinations or vivid dreams that occur just before falling asleep or just after waking up
• Automatic behavior (patients often perform routine tasks but will have no recollection of doing so)

About the Care Team
The Institute for Sleep Medicine at Deborah Heart and Lung Center is directed by Dana Supe, MD, a physician Board Certified in Sleep Medicine. She leads a team of certified respiratory therapists and sleep technicians to conduct sleep studies, interpret diagnostic test results, and recommend treatment, and works cooperatively with Ear, Nose, and Throat and periodontal specialists, psychiatrists, dietitians and cardiologists, when needed. Prompt, effective communication with the referring physician is always a top priority.