An estimated 30-40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, some of which can be serious.

The Sleep Disorders Center at South Fulton Medical Center provides services for the diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious sleep disorders including sleep apnea, excessive snoring, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder.

Sleep is a basic necessity of life. It is as important to our health and well-being as air, food and water. When we get a good night's sleep, we awake feeling refreshed, alert and ready to face the many challenges of our daily routine.

When we don't, we suffer. Our jobs, relationships, productivity, health and safety -- as well as the safety of those around us -- may be at risk.

Some of the symptoms associated with sleep disorders may include:

• Excessively loud snoring
• Repeating patterns of "snore, pause, gasp," revealing breathing stops and starts
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Fatigue or daytime drowsiness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Mood or behavior changes
• Reduced attention, concentration and memory
• More frequent illnesses
• Lost productivity
• Workplace accidents or car crashes from falling asleep on the job or while driving

Snoring: Not to be ignored

Although many people who snore may be the target of many bad jokes and nightly elbow thrusts, snoring is no laughing matter.

The noise of snoring comes from the effort to force air through a narrowed passageway. Problem snoring is more frequent in males and those who are overweight, and it usually grows worse with age. Excessive snoring or very loud snoring may be an indicator of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea, which affects about 18 million Americans.

Untreated sleep apnea may increase your risk for developing high blood pressure, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and fatigue-related accidents.

	Sleep apnea affects about 18 million Americans.

What is a sleep study?

A sleep study is a simple, overnight procedure where your brain waves, muscle activity, leg movements, heart rhythms and other body functions can be monitored by a highly skilled sleep technologist while you sleep. The sleep data is scored, interpreted by a sleep specialist and sent to your physician. Your results and diagnosis will be given to you by your physician who will recommend a treatment plan.

Will I need to take time off from work for a sleep study?

Unless you work a night shift, you shouldn't need time off from work. A patient's study usually begins in the evening and is completed before 7 a.m. This means you can go to work the following day.

Will my insurance cover a sleep study?

Some major insurance companies, as well as Medicare, provide coverage for sleep studies. However, with any medical procedure, you should verify coverage with your insurance coverage before scheduling the appointment.

Do I have a sleep disorder?

These questions may help you talk to your doctor about your sleep problems:

• Have you ever been told by a friend or family member that you snore?
• Do you often feel tired or have a headache when you wake in the morning?
• Do you frequently awaken during the night?
• Have you been told that you have pauses in your breathing during sleep?
• Do your legs jerk frequently or feel uncomfortable or restless before or during sleep?
• Do you often find yourself falling asleep when you don't intend to, such as while watching TV or while driving?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may benefit from a sleep consultation. You should see your regular physician and talk about your sleep problems, or you can call 1-888-TENET-4U (888-836-3848) and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist.

To learn more about the Sleep Disorders Laboratory, please call us at 770-516-5455.

For more information on sleep disorders, visit

National Sleep Foundation

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research