Sleep Medicine Clinic

Diagnosis & Treatment of Sleep Disorders in the Illinois Valley

Do you have trouble getting to sleep? Trouble staying asleep? Or maybe you're sleeping too much or feel like you never get a refreshing night's sleep? Most people immediately think of insomnia when they hear the words sleep disorder, but sleeping problems go far beyond simple sleep deprivation. Sleeping pills and sleep aids may not be enough. Snoring, teeth grinding, nightmares or night terrors, bed wetting, bad dreams, sleep walking or somnambulism and even dreamless sleep can all be signals of larger sleep issues.

If you have a sleep disorder, your entire lifestyle could be affected. Not only could you experience decreased job performance and slight memory loss, but you also could be at risk for serious health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.

Dr. Ioannis Karkatzounis and his team specialize in sleep disturbances management. They utilize a wide range of advanced diagnostic techniques can help them diagnose and treat conditions such as:

• REM sleep behavior disorder
• Interrupted sleep
• Hypersomnia
• Sleep paralysis
• Somniphobia
• Narcolepsy
• Periodic limb movement disorder
• Restless legs syndrome
• Sleep apnea

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical disorder that causes you to periodically stop breathing while you're sleeping. It is a serious health risk and may be linked to other health problems. You may have sleep apnea if:

• You usually snore loudly.
• Your snoring is interrupted by silence followed by a gasp or snort.
• You've ever fallen asleep or almost fallen asleep at work or while driving.
• You have trouble concentrating or remembering.
• You experience mood or behavior changes.
• You often wake up with a headache.
• You have lost interest in sex.

For more information, visit www.sleepapnea.org.

Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Rest

For dreamy nights, take a close look at your sleep environment and habits. These simple tips may help you fall asleep and stay there.

• Keep a schedule. Try to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Dim the lights. Bright lights can interfere with the chemical melatonin, which helps the body grow drowsy and prepare for sleep. That's why experts recommend not watching TV or using a computer right before bedtime.
• Keep it cool. Sleep studies suggest that a cool room is best for sleeping. But keep warm covers handy: Middle-of-the-night shivers can shake you awake.
• Exercise, but time it well. Regular exercise during the day promotes better sleep, but strenuous activity too close to bedtime can leave the body too revved up for relaxation.
• Keep it quiet. Use the hour before bedtime to relax with a hot bath, music or light reading. A small snack is OK, but avoid heavy meals within two hours of heading to bed.

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor. There are many treatable disorders—including restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea—that can leave you foggy and exhausted, even after hours in bed. Some common medicines can affect sleep too.

When you are having trouble sleeping, call the Illinois Valley Sleep Medicine Clinic today at 815-223-4400.