Sleep Disorders
Definition
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis, leading to disturbances in sleep patterns, quality, or duration. They can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle habits, environmental factors, or underlying medical conditions.
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Sleep Medicine Program
We care for patients with a broad spectrum of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. We are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and evaluate, diagnose, and treat these disorders with a coordinated approach. We know that a good night of sleep matters. Other issues we treat include: Snoring Sleep apnea-related seizure disorders Circadian and shift work-related disorders Parasomnias, such as sleep walking and talking, and abnormal behavior during sleep Our internationally recognized physicians are board-certified in pulmonary critical care medicine or neurology. They also have additional certifications in sleep medicine. As an interdisciplinary program, we work closely with specialists in otolaryngology (ENT), neurology, cardiology, psychology, dentistry, and bariatric surgery. We offer a state-of-the art lab testing system to pinpoint patients’ sleep problems, as well as home sleep-testing systems. At the West Haven VA, we care for veterans, who frequently struggle with sleep issues related to posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Our VA program includes six in-hospital monitoring beds and 30 home sleep-testing units. Through our Sleep Center in the Department of Pediatrics, we treat sleep disorders in children, and manage patients with congenital disorders that impact breathing during sleep. We have a three-bed testing unit in Yale New Haven Hospital specifically designed for children that includes dedicated staff who are experienced in dealing with children and their sleep disorders.Pediatric Sleep Medicine Program
Yale is the regional leader in diagnosing and treating a wide range of sleep problems in infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Sleep problems can be linked to respiratory issues, or may stem from other medical, behavioral, or developmental concerns. We are dedicated to working with each family to locate the source of the child’s sleep issues, and to find a way to better sleep. No matter the cause, we will deliver comprehensive, compassionate care for each child’s sleep challenges in a warm, child-friendly environment. Our staff includes physicians who are board-certified in pediatrics, pediatric pulmonology, and sleep medicine. We are the only center in the state staffed exclusively with board-certified specialists. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of sleep issues, we provide support for patients in need of oxygen and ventilators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration and management. Nonrespiratory sleep complaints we treat include: Insomnia, including difficulties falling asleep and nocturnal awakenings Excessive daytime sleepiness Restless leg syndrome Sleep disturbance, including parasomnias (sleep walking, night terrors, nightmares, and bed wetting) Narcolepsy Respiratory sleep problems include: Obstructive sleep apnea with snoring, noisy breathing, disrupted sleep, or daytime sleepiness and/or attention problems Life-threatening eventsin infancy Respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease, including muscular dystrophy Pre- and post-operative evaluation for scoliosis, spina bifida, cleft palate, and other neurosurgical and craniofacial disordersRestless Legs Syndrome Program
Our team is dedicated to recognizing, evaluating, treating, and understanding restless legs syndrome (RLS), and cares for people suffering from sensor, motor, psychiatric, and sleep symptoms related to RLS. Our multidisciplinary program consists of physicians with a variety of specialties including neurology, sleep medicine, and psychiatry. We offer polysomnography, neuroimaging, and an infusion center for intravenous iron. Our program is one of nine RLS Quality Care Centers in the country, recognized and supported by the RLS Foundation. In addition to expertise in RLS, practitioners in this center have expertise in assessing and treating conditions that occur alongside RLS, including sleep-disordered breathing, depression, and insomnia.