Diagnosis & Treatment

There are several types of sleep disorders. Your doctor may order one or more tests at MyMichigan’s Sleep Disorders Labs to come to an accurate diagnosis.  Whether or not you are diagnosed with a sleep disorder, you should practice good sleep habits.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder that causes a patient to stop breathing up to hundreds of times during sleep.

Sleep apnea can be treated with:

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and/or Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) devices.
• Weight management – if obesity is a factor
• Surgery – typically to remove adenoids or tonsils

Sleep apnea patients should avoid alcohol, tobacco and sleeping pills, because these substances can increase the chance of breathing interruption.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a persistent inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Possible causes include:

• Lifestyle and sleep habits
• Medications
• Depression, anxiety or other psychological conditions

Your physician can work with you to determine the cause of your insomnia and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of sleep during the day. 

Symptoms of narcolepsy can be controlled with:

• Medications
• Exercise
• Adjustments to your sleep schedule
• Lifestyle changes, including avoidance of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol

If you are diagnosed with narcolepsy, your doctor may recommend ways to reduce the risk of sleep attacks while driving.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome or Nocturnal Myoclonus is a disorder characterized by pain, or a crawling sensation in the legs and/or leg movements (jerking or spasms) during sleep.

Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome or Myoclonus include:

• Medications or vitamins
• Massage
• Stretching
• Applying hot or cold packs to the legs