Conditions we treat
A good night's sleep is essential for good health. Unfortunately, many do not get the sleep they need because of sleep disorders, which can lead to health issues. Common symptoms of sleep disorders include sleepiness during the day, loud snoring, sleep apnea and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Our Sleep Disorders Centers at Virginia Baptist Hospital and Southside Community Hospital have a home-like atmosphere with 8 spacious bedrooms; we provide service in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. From our compassionate and highly trained staff to our state-of-the-art polysomnography equipment, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options to the Central Virginia region.
Our experts in sleep services have an emphasis on treating the following:
- Sleep related breathing disorders- such as sleep apnea- are disorders of sleep where normal breathing is interrupted, either by airway blockages or neurological issues.
- Insomnia- disorders affecting a person’s ability to fall or maintain sleep
- Restless Leg Syndrome- disorder causing irresistible urges to move legs.
- Circadian Rhythm Disorders- disorders that effect a person’s normal sleep-wake cycle
- Shift work sleep disorder, Delayed sleep-wake phase, Advanced sleep-wake phase, non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm
- Parasomnias- disorders of sleep that involve unusual behaviors or events
- Sleepwalking, sleep talking, sleep eating, sleep sex, dream enactment, sleep paralysis, night terrors
- Hypersomnias- disorders characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness during awake hours
- Narcolepsy, idiopathic hypersomnia
- Movement disorders- characterized by excessive movements during sleep, often of limbs
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
We can also help patients with therapy compliance issues such as mask or pressure tolerance. We see patients as young as 6 years of age and older. Our Registered Polysomnographic Technologists are nationally registered and licensed by the state to provide the highest quality care during sleep studies.
Symptoms of a sleep disorder
- Daytime sleepiness
- Snoring, Gasping, Choking
- Observed pauses in breathing while asleep
- High blood pressure- especially if on multiple medications/difficult to control
- Headache upon waking
- Frequent night-time urination or awakenings
- Unusual behavior during sleep- walking, talking, acting out dreams
- Heartburn
- Wake with dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Frequent movements
- Other health issues to consider
- Stroke, Heart conditions, Diabetes, Seizures, COPD/other lung diseases
Sleep hygiene
- Go to bed and wake at the same time daily
- Have a cool, dark, quiet room for sleeping
- Avoid electronics- including tv and phones!- at least 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Turn your alarm clock away from you.
- Avoid heavy meals before bed
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants after lunchtime
- Avoid alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime
