Common Sleep Disorders

The sleep disorders clinic at Advocate South Suburban Hospital is experienced in diagnosing and treating many types of sleep disorders, including:

Sleep Apnea
Persons suffering from sleep apnea stop breathing for short periods of time while they are asleep. These periods, accompanied by loud, irregular snoring, can range from 10 to 90 seconds in duration and may occur 30 to 300 times a night. The sleep apnea sufferer also awakens briefly with each gasp for breath, resulting in poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness.

Sleep apnea can cause morning headaches, high blood pressure and rapid weight gain. It has also been linked to temporary memory loss, confusion, personality changes and impotence.

Insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep during the night is called insomnia

Insomnia can be brought on by persistent stress, depression, medications, an irregular sleep schedule or physical illness. Persistent insomnia can leave you feeling tired and irritable, and affect your daily activities, work and relationships.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition characterized by daytime sleep attacks, sleepiness and lack of energy. Those suffering from narcolepsy also experience muscle weakness when they are angry, surprised or amused. Other symptoms may include disturbing dreams just as you fall asleep and muscle paralysis when falling asleep or awakening.

Periodic Leg Movements
With periodic leg movements, the individual experiences involuntary leg thrashing and jerking while sleeping, leaving the individual tired during the day. Cramping and leg discomfort are other symptoms of this common sleep problem.

The sleep disorders clinic at Advocate South Suburban Hospital is experienced in diagnosing and treating these disorders.

Please note: A physician referral is required for an appointment with our Sleep Disorders Clinic specialists. We may request a copy of your recent health history. For information or to schedule an appointment, call us direct at (708) 799-8000, ext. 3399.

To find a physician to help diagnose a possible sleep disorder, call us at 1-800-3-ADVOCATE (1-800-323-8622).