Sleep Disorders

As many as 40 million Americans are afflicted by more than 70 types of sleep disorders. Whether it is insomnia, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea, the consequences of sleep disorders, especially the "problem sleepiness" during the day that normally follows, can have extremely serious - even life-threatening - consequences.

 

Sleep is as essential to your well-being as a healthy diet and exercise. Chronic lack of sleep can increase blood pressure, contribute to stress and weight gain, and affect your judgment, leading to car accidents and poor work performance.

 

While some sleep disorders may be linked to biological changes associated with aging or certain physical diseases, others may be associated with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Mercy sleep specialist and neurologist Alan Shatzel and our comprehensive team of neurologists, psychologists and otolaryngologists work with each patient and their sleeping partner to diagnose sleep disorders and provide appropriate treatments. Depending on individual symptoms, treatment may be as simple as better sleep habits, or it may involve special breathing equipment.

 

In-depth sleep disorder diagnosis may also require a sleep study in the Sleep Center at Mercy San Juan Medical Center. The Mercy Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, offers the latest digital technology and years of clinical experience provided by Dr. Stack (board certified in sleep medicine) and a staff of registered sleep technologists.

 

Do you think you may have a sleep disorder? Sleep researchers have found that people who regularly sleep less than six or more than nine hours a night don't live as long as those who get closer to eight hours of solid rest on most nights. To determine if you're getting enough rest, answer the following questions: