The primary symptoms of disordered sleeping are excessive sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, falling asleep at inappropriate times, difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive sleeping and abnormal behaviors during sleep (such as twitching legs).

If left untreated, sleep problems can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems, including high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmias. Sleep apnea contributes to obesity, depression and injurious and potentially deadly accidents. The type of disorder, severity of symptoms and the presence of other sleep disorders or complicating factors are all important and need to be correctly identified in order to be appropriately treated. Once identified, specific treatment options can be recommended.

Many people could improve their sleep with better “sleep hygiene” habits.  Establishing a consistent bedtime and rising time as well as moving the television and computer out of your bedroom are good starts.  Refrain from drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening and finish your last meal of the day at least three hours prior to bedtime.  Of course, none of these changes in habit will cure or resolve sleep apnea, but they can help with a number of other common sleep disorders.  Because of the subtleties involved, a sleep study may be necessary to determine of you have a sleep disorder or not.  The very best way to start sleeping better is to find out why you are not sleeping well in the first place!  You can get the treatment and information you need from a sleep specialist.

While it depends on your insurance company and the specific plan you have, most sleep studies are covered by insurance. As a courtesy to our patients and as part of our comprehensive services, Alaska Sleep Clinic will contact your insurance company to help you determine your plan’s coverage and your eligibility for services.