Sleep disorders affect millions, and sleep clinics offer essential help. These specialized centers diagnose and treat various sleep issues, from insomnia to sleep apnea. Here’s a quick look at what sleep clinics provide and when to seek help.
> What is a Sleep Clinic?
A sleep clinic is a medical facility focused on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Staffed by specialists, including pulmonologists, neurologists, and sleep technologists, they offer services like overnight sleep studies and consultations.
> Common Disorders Treated
Sleep clinics treat conditions such as:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
Breathing interruptions during sleep.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An urge to move legs, disrupting sleep.
- Narcolepsy: Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Parasomnias: Abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking.
> How Do Sleep Clinics Work?
A consultation is the first step, where patients discuss their sleep habits and symptoms. This may lead to a Polysomnography (overnight sleep study) or a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) for sleep apnea monitoring.
> Treatments Offered
Treatment options include:
- CPAP Therapy: A machine to keep the airway open for sleep apnea.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A non-drug treatment for insomnia.
- Medications: For insomnia or excessive sleepiness.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Tips for better sleep hygiene.
> When to See a Sleep Specialist
Consult a sleep specialist if you experience persistent snoring, daytime sleepiness, difficulty sleeping, or unusual sleep behaviors. Untreated sleep disorders can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
> How is Nadu involved in this process?
Nadu provides high quality TGA certified products to assist in compliance, comfort and prevention of skin breakdown. This product range is the Mask soothe. Used during sleep studies and at home to prevent CPAP or mask injury.
References:
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2023)
- National Sleep Foundation (2022)
- American Sleep Apnea Association (2023)
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