Did you know that sleep disorders cause not only difficulty with sleep and wake but also are a major cause of many chronic health conditions? These include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sexual dysfunction, and mood disorders. In fact, sleep apnea has been implicated as the #1 identifiable cause of high blood pressure.
Additional evidence has suggested that sleep conditions can cause or worsen high blood pressure, while treatment of these sleep disorders can prevent the onset of high blood pressure and better control hypertension with the need for less medications.
Are Sleep Problems Keeping You Awake?
- Do you snore loudly?
- While sleeping, do you stop breathing or gasp for breath?
- Do you fall asleep during the day, even after a good night's sleep?
- Do you lie awake for more than half an hour before falling asleep?
- Are you having trouble at work or school because of sleepiness?
- Do you kick while sleeping, or have trouble keeping your legs still at night?
- Do you wake up at night and are unable to go back to sleep?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions you may be experiencing sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome or insomnia. Any of these sleep disorder conditions can greatly affect your quality of life.
Other Health Concerns
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has estimated that between 58 percent to 72 percent of those who suffer from type 2 diabetes have underlying sleep apnea. Recent studies have demonstrated that sleep disorders cause type 2 diabetes while identification and aggressive treatment of these sleep disorders can actually prevent the onset of diabetes and better controlled blood sugars in those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, are also implicated in the development of obesity because of poor regulation of fat hormones, including cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin. Recent data has revealed that not only does sleep apnea cause the metabolic syndrome, which includes the combination of insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes), atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), midline obesity, and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol levels), but in fact, effective treatment of sleep apnea actually reverses the metabolic syndrome.
Occupational Health and Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has published data consistently demonstrating that fatigue and sleep disorders result in more motor vehicle accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, than alcohol and drugs combined. In addition, poor sleep impacts work performance, attention, vigilance, and reaction times.
Getting a Good Night's Sleep
We're here to help if you or someone you love is experiencing sleep problems. Our diagnosis and treatment of common sleep disorders can make the difference between unnecessary suffering and long-term health risks and an improved quality of life. To get started, you'll need a referral from your physician.
Our Care Model
HCA Virginia delivers an enhanced sleep care model.
As a part of HCA Virginia's commitment to excellent patient care, sleep studies are scheduled promptly after referral to the Sleep Center. Studies are scored immediately after acquisition, and sleep study reports are sent to referring providers within 24 to 48 hours thereafter. Our Sleep Centers are uniquely qualified to evaluate patients of all ages, including young children.
Our Sleep Centers are accredited and staffed by registered polysomnography technologists. Our sleep management team includes teaching faculty in sleep technology and service on State-level advisory boards for sleep technology.