Are my sleep problems serious?

It is common for people to experience changes in their sleep patterns as they grow older. You need different amounts of sleep at different times in your life. Infants need the most. Children and teens still need more sleep than adults do. Most adults feel rested after five to seven hours of sleep. Older adults may feel rested after three to four hours, but may need to take a nap during the day.

You should see your physician if snoring or other breathing problems wake you from sleep, or if you always feel tired during the day. Feeling tired despite sleeping an adequate amount of time can sometimes mean that you are waking up at night, even if you do not remember it the next day.

Common sleep disorders

Snoring is more than just an annoyance; it is often seen with sleep apnea.

Restless legs syndrome is a sensation that causes you to move your legs again and again and…

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common cause of daytime sleepiness. One in 25 adults suffers from these repeated episodes of breath-holding at night that destroy the restfulness of sleep.

Click here to read the case history of a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Excessive daytime drowsiness, despite a seemingly adequate amount of sleep, can be fatal. Drowsy drivers are more dangerous than drunk drivers.

Click here to read the case history of a patient who suffered from excessive daytime drowsiness.

Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep.

Patients with sleep disorders may be referred to the Saint Vincent Sleep Center by their family physicians, or they may schedule an appointment themselves by calling 814/452-7129.