Which of the following statements might help you determine if an individual has narcolepsy?

Sleep Disorders Diagnosed at Saint Pete MRI & Sleep Diagnostics

Sleep is a vital part of the human experience; in fact, we are healthiest when we sleep for approximately one-third of our lives. Sleep disorders can cause a variety of health problems, including heart problems, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and a higher incidence of accidents. At Saint Pete MRI & Sleep Diagnostics, we offer a variety of sleep studies and diagnostic testing to help doctors determine which sleep disorder a particular patient has. Below is information about some of the most common sleep disorders. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your symptoms so the appropriate testing can be ordered, then call Saint Pete MRI to schedule your testing.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes an individual to repeatedly stop breathing for a short time during the night. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnea. This occurs when the airway in the throat becomes blocked when the throat muscles relax. Breathing resumes naturally, but over time, obstructive sleep apnea can cause strain on the heart and might even contribute to early death.

Symptoms

Obstructive sleep apnea is often first detected by a sleeping partner, but some of the symptoms can be detected by the person who has the condition. Symptoms include:

• Loud snoring (detected by a sleeping partner)
• Periods of not breathing followed by gasping for a breath (detected by a sleeping partner)
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Headaches
• Excessive fatigue even after sleeping for a full 8 hours or more
• Depression
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Memory problems
• Heart problems such as rhythm disturbances or congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure
• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

Causes

The most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea are overweight, obesity, and a large neck circumference (over 18" for men and over 12" for women). During sleep, excess soft tissue relaxes and can block the throat, particularly when the individual sleeps on their back. There are other causes that can also contribute to the condition; they include dental malocclusions (such as a large overbite), Down Syndrome, and tumors around the throat or in the neck.

Diagnosis

Obstructive sleep apnea is detected during a sleep study. The study for this condition can be done in a sleep center or in the home. A person’s health insurance will often determine where the study will take place. If a study is inconclusive, it might need to be repeated or additional studies may need to be done.

Treatment

The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP. This is a device that provides light airway pressure throughout the night. A CPAP titration study is performed to ensure that the device is calibrated properly for the individual patient.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes an individual to experience excessive daytime sleepiness, loss of muscle control, and unexpected periods of sudden sleep. Hallucinations and sleep paralysis are also common. While the condition itself is not dangerous, it can cause individuals to fall asleep while driving or performing other tasks, and this can lead to serious accidents.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of narcolepsy include “sleep attacks,” which is when the individual falls asleep suddenly for a few seconds to a few minutes during the day or at inopportune times, excessive drowsiness, and loss of muscle control for a few seconds to minutes. Often, these periods of lost muscle control occur when the person is falling asleep or waking up and are referred to as sleep paralysis. Hallucinations can also occur during these times, causing frightening experiences. Depression can also occur.

Causes

This is a neurological disorder that is thought to be caused by a lack of certain brain chemicals. These chemical deficiencies might be caused by an autoimmune disorder. It can be triggered by hormonal changes, severe stress, and certain infections such as the flu or streptococcal bacteria. Another cause of narcolepsy is a traumatic brain injury. This can happen as a result of a motor vehicle accident or other trauma that leads to a concussion.

Diagnosis

If narcolepsy is suspected, a patient will have two sleep tests: a polysomnogram (PSG) and a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). These are performed at the Saint Pete MRI sleep center.

Treatment

There are various medications available to treat narcolepsy, including stimulants, antidepressants, SSRIs, and sodium oxybate. A doctor will work with each patient to find the best medication or medications depending on the severity of the condition, what has been tried in the past, and any other health conditions the individual might have.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes the affected individual to move their legs to relieve unpleasant sensations. The symptoms are usually most troublesome at night and they affect sleep, so it is considered a sleep disorder. 

Symptoms

The main sign of restless legs syndrome is unpleasant sensations, which might include pins-and-needles, itchiness, or a feeling of movement in the legs. Moving the legs helps relieve the sensations, so the individual will have an insatiable urge to continue moving the legs. This can interfere with sleep onset. In some cases, the arms or other body parts are affected as well.

Causes

There is not one definitive cause of restless legs syndrome. In many cases, there is a genetic component, as it can run in families. Some illnesses and medications can cause the condition. In these cases, treating the underlying condition or, when possible, switching to a different medication can relieve the symptoms. In some cases, pregnant women develop restless legs syndrome at the end of their pregnancies, but it generally self-resolves after the baby is born. 

Diagnosis

Restless legs syndrome can often be diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms. In some cases, blood tests are needed. While a sleep study is not required to diagnose restless legs syndrome, sometimes one is done to rule out other sleep disorders.

Treatment

If an individual’s restless legs syndrome is being caused by an underlying illness, that condition will be treated and it will often alleviate the restless legs syndrome. Lifestyle changes such as exercising more, self-massage of the legs, cutting back on alcohol, and relaxation techniques sometimes help. In some cases, medication is needed. A doctor will work with each patient to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.

Insomnia

Insomnia is when a person either cannot fall asleep or cannot maintain sleep through the night. There are many different types and causes of insomnia. In some cases, a sleep study can help confirm or rule out a potential diagnosis.

Symptoms

Insomnia causes a person to be unable to fall asleep or stay asleep. They might toss and turn for a long time because they cannot relax enough to fall asleep. Or they might fall asleep rather easily but wake up frequently or wake up after just a few hours and be unable to get back to sleep. During the day, insomnia causes excessive sleepiness, headaches, mood disturbances, and trouble focusing at work or school.

Causes

There is a wide variety of reasons that an individual might find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Physical causes can include a system disorder, chronic pain, or various health problems. Mental or emotional causes can include anxiety, stress, depression, or mood disorders. There are also medications that can cause insomnia. In some cases, poor sleep hygiene or poor habits can make it difficult for someone to fall or stay asleep. Temporary causes can include jet lag, a change in schedule, or acute illness. 

Diagnosis

Determining the cause of insomnia can be very simple (such as in the case of a new baby or a broken leg that is painful and keeping the person awake) or quite complicated. When the answer is not apparent, mental health screenings will often be performed. The patient might be asked to keep a sleep diary that includes the before-bed activities and routines. A sleep study might be done to determine whether the individual has sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or another condition that is contributing to the lack of sleep.

Treatment

The treatment for insomnia depends on the cause. Treatment might include lifestyle changes, such as more exercise, stress reduction, less caffeine, and better bedtime routines. Some patients require medication to help them get into a better sleep pattern. For those who work nights and must sleep during the day, measures like blackout curtains and white noise machines might help. Sometimes, switching a prescribed medication or treating an underlying health issue is necessary.

If you are struggling with a sleep disorder, ask your physician for a referral to the Saint Pete MRI & Sleep Diagnostics Sleep Center for the appropriate testing. We want to help you get the good night’s sleep you need and deserve. Please contact us if you have questions about our services.

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