South Fulton Medical Center announced the opening of its Sleep Disorders Laboratory for the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, excessive snoring, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

“Recognizing and treating some sleep disorders in the early stages may prevent more serious cardiovascular and neurological problems, which can be very expensive to treat at a later time,” said Christopher Hummer, chief executive officer of South Fulton Medical Center.

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, difficulty breathing during sleep and morning headaches.

The overnight sleep studies are conducted by highly trained sleep technologists while patients enjoy the comfort of private sleep rooms where the service is located.

Treatments can range from airway pressure appliances, medication, lifestyle changes, weight loss, ENT surgery and laser therapy, dental appliances, light therapy, and internal body clock adjustments. The treatment or treatments depend upon the type of sleep disorder diagnosed.