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Home , Sleep disorder, Sleep study

Treatment Guide Understanding Disorders

Sleep disorders are on the rise. It is estimated that nearly 75 CHOOSING YOUR CARE percent of adult Americans experience symptoms At Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center, our at least a few nights per week. As many as 25 to 30 percent multidisciplinary program is dedicated to the of infants and children also experience some form of sleep diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in disturbance. Sleep loss has a detrimental effect on your quality adults and children. of life and virtually all of your organ systems. You don’t need Our team approach unites adult neurologists, to suffer with poor quality sleep or daytime sleepiness. The first , and pediat- ric sleep experts, pulmonary and critical care step toward a better night’s sleep is a comprehensive evaluation medicine specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists by a sleep disorders specialist. and otolaryngologists, under one roof. Together, they will work with you to uncover the cause of your sleep problems and tailor the treatment that is best for you and your lifestyle. Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center is accredited by USING THIS GUIDE the American Academy of . The center is part of our Neurological Institute, with Please use this guide as a resource as you learn and neurosurgery services for adults about the different types of sleep disorders, and children top-ranked in Ohio by diagnosis and treatment options. As a patient, U.S. News & World Report. Cleveland Clinic is also consistently ranked as one of the top you have the right to ask questions and seek hospitals in the nation. a second opinion.

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WHAT ARE SLEEP DISORDERS?

Sleep disorders can affect the quality and quantity of sleep or can cause difficulty maintaining normal wakefulness — both of which can cause impaired daytime functioning and a host of medical, psychiatric and psychosocial problems. There are more than 80 different types of sleep disorders that afflict about 70 million Americans.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SLEEP DISORDERS? Here is a look at some of the most common conditions:

SLEEP APNEA is a potentially serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, and this can occur up Did you know? to hundreds of times during the night. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Obstructive Hours of sleep needed sleep apnea (OSA) is more common, and is caused by episodes of com- plete or partial airway blockage during sleep. This usually happens when per night: the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep. In (CSA), the airway is not blocked, but the brain fails to signal Ages 5 – 12 the muscles to breathe. This is caused by instability in the respiratory 10 to 11 hours control center in the central nervous system. Ages 13 – 18 What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? Often the first signs of OSA are recognized not by the patient, but by the 8.5 to 9.25 hours partner. They may include , daytime sleepiness or , Adults restlessness during sleep, sudden awakenings with gasping or choking, dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, 7 to 9 hours irritability, night sweats, and . Those with CSA more often report recurrent awakenings or , although they also may experience choking or gasping with sudden awakenings.

In children, the signs may not be as obvious and include poor school performance, hyperactivity, lack of focus, sleepiness, daytime , inward movement of the rib cage when inhaling, unusual sleeping positions, excessive nighttime sweating, learning and behavioral disorders, and bedwetting.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed? A physician will take a medical and sleep history and conduct a physical exam. An overnight , or polysomnogram (PSG), is required to make the diagnosis and grade its severity. Studies are tailored to address the individual’s symptoms and bedtimes. Sleep testing can be performed at

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the home of patients with high probability of moderate to severe and who do not have problems affecting the heart, lungs and/or nervous system. (See sidebar on HST for details.) Home Sleep How is sleep apnea treated? Testing (HST) Conservative treatment may be all that is needed for milder cases of sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes may include losing weight (if overweight), avoiding HST is a diagnostic test that alcohol and sleeping pills, sleeping on your side, using nasal sprays or breathing helps confirm the presence of strips, and avoiding . Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) moderate-to-severe OSA. The therapy is often necessary for those with OSA. Special appliances that are placed testing is done in the comfort of in the mouth can help those with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. These appliances your home, instead of a sleep prevent the tongue from blocking the throat and help move the lower jaw forward laboratory, using a portable sleep during sleep. monitor. Importantly, this test is not recommended in patients with Other non-CPAP methods of obstructive sleep apnea treatment include nasal expira- sleep disorders other than OSA or tory positive airway pressure therapy and oral pressure therapy. Nasal expiratory in patients with serious heart or therapy consists of mechanical valves placed at the nares. This allows for a low lung disorders who require a more resistance when inhaling and a high resistance when exhaling, which ultimately comprehensive overnight study in a keeps the airway clear. Oral pressure therapy uses a light oral vacuum that brings sleep laboratory. the throat tissues forward and stabilizes the tongue to open the airway. Once home sleep testing has been ordered, you will be scheduled In some patients, surgical procedures effectively reduce sleep apnea in those who for an appointment with one of have too much soft tissue or malformed tissue that blocks the airflow through the our technologists to learn how to nose or throat. Surgical options can range from nasal surgery to improve breathing operate the device. The portable to help adjust to CPAP, restructuring of the throat tissue to lessen collapse, or even a sleep monitor is easy to activate. nerve stimulation implant to open the airway. It includes a recording device, sensors and belts and is powered The nerve stimulation treatment involves a small, minimally invasive, implanted by AA batteries. It records infor- pacemaker-like system that monitors breathing while sleeping and delivers mild mation, including your airflow, stimulation to certain airway muscles to keep the airway open. It is controlled via a breathing effort, blood oxygen handheld remote and consists of three implanted components: a small generator, levels and snoring during your which is implanted in the right chest area; a breathing sensor, which is placed in sleep. You will have the opportu- the thoracic region; and a stimulation lead, which is placed along a branch of the nity to practice applying the device hypoglossal nerve. Of the patients that meet strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with one of our sleep technologists so you are more comfortable using this therapy has shown to reduce the severity of OSA and improve quality of life the equipment on your own. You and daytime functioning. will return the monitor the day after What is CPAP? your study and the results will be sent to your referring physician With continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), patients wear a mask over their within a week. nose and/or mouth and an air blower forces air through the airway. The air pres- sure is constant and continuous, and adjusted so that it is just enough to prevent the upper airway tissues from collapsing during sleep.

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CPAP prevents airway closure What are some advancements in the diagnosis and while in use, but apnea treatment of OSA available at Cleveland Clinic? episodes return when CPAP is • Sleep Apnea Management (SAM) Clinic: SAM is stopped or it is used improp- an innovative and interactive approach to healthcare erly. Many types and styles of that brings patients with common needs together devices are available. with healthcare providers such as a nurse, nurse practitioner, physician and/or durable medical equip- Some patients are not able ment (DME) representative, in one room to provide to adhere to CPAP due to the most efficient service. pressure intolerance. Patients The SAM Clinic is dedicated to helping patients who cannot tolerate CPAP successfully use PAP therapy and is designed to may benefit from other types of pressure delivery give patients who are beginning PAP therapy quick devices. The Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center access to one-on-one help for any questions or offers additional services including PAP and SAM problems that could interfere with them regularly clinics for patients having challenges getting adjusted to using their therapy on a nightly basis at home. PAP therapy.

Good sleeping habits:

Before getting into bed – • Establish a routine for • Create a positive sleep environment • Relax before getting into bed • Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine for at least a few hours before bedtime • Do not go to bed unless you are sleepy • Reduce exposure to electronics (e.g., smartphones, tablets) within one hour of bedtime; it’s best to keep these out of the

While in bed – • Turn your around and use your alarm, if needed • If you can’t fall asleep in 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you are sleepy • Use your bed for sleep only

In the morning and daytime – • Wake up at the same time each morning, even on weekends • Avoid daytime naps • Avoid caffeine, especially in the late afternoon and evening • Exercise regularly, but not within four hours of bedtime

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It is our goal to help patients feel comfortable and Insomnia varies in how long it lasts and how often confident using PAP. While experience may vary, it occurs. It may be short-term (acute) or long-term successful use of PAP therapy can greatly reduce (chronic). Insomnia is considered chronic when it occurs sleepiness, fatigue and irritability while increasing at least three nights a week for a month or longer. energy level, alertness and mood within a week. PAP Psychophysiological (mind-body) insomnia is a disorder in therapy is proven to reduce the long-term risks of heart which people cannot sleep because their minds or bodies attack, , high blood pressure and diabetes. are not relaxed.

• Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) : PAP Nap is one How is insomnia diagnosed? tool used to help patients effectively use PAP therapy. Insomnia is diagnosed by a clinical evaluation, including a A PAP Nap is a daytime study for patients who have physical exam, medical history and sleep history. You may anxiety about starting PAP therapy, are claustrophobic, be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, and your or are having difficulty tolerating PAP therapy for their doctor may want to ask your partner about the quantity sleep-related breathing disorder. The patient works and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be one-on-one with a sleep technologist, using relaxation, referred to a sleep laboratory for special tests. deep breathing and desensitization techniques to try to become more comfortable with PAP therapy. How is insomnia treated?

During the PAP Nap, patients have individual coaching Insomnia is treated by practicing good sleep habits and and counseling by a sleep technologist to overcome any cognitive behavioral strategies with or without the use of or discomforts they have about PAP therapy and to short-term sleep aids. make them more comfortable with the mask and pres- In addition to treating comorbid health problems that you sure sensations. Minimal bioelectrodes are used during also may be experiencing, the most effective treatment for these studies. chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive INSOMNIA behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a multi-compo- nent treatment that addresses your thoughts and behaviors Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which people have difficulty related to sleep. The behavioral aspects of treatment consist falling asleep, staying asleep, early morning awakening or of two well-developed and research-supported treatment unrefreshing sleep in the setting of an adequate oppor- components — sleep restriction therapy and stimulus tunity for sleep. About 50 percent of adults experience control therapy — which are aimed at improving sleep occasional bouts of insomnia, and one in 10 suffers from quality and quantity. The cognitive component of the treat- chronic insomnia. It is twice as common in women as ment focuses on restructuring or changing sleep-related men, and is more common in older than younger people. thoughts. These can include thoughts that increase arousal and beliefs that may interfere with insomnia treatment. There are two kinds of insomnia: Primary insomnia – sleep problems not associated with other Most of the evidence supporting CBT-I is from studies by health problems expert practitioners who have worked with patients over a specific number of sessions. Research also supports the Comorbid insomnia – sleep problems due to another effectiveness of CBT-I when administered in a group setting. health condition, pain, medicine or Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center is one of only a few sleep centers across the that provides CBT-I in What are the symptoms of insomnia? a group setting. The Sleep Skills Group is a form of treatment Insomnia can cause sleepiness during the day, general designed to provide sleep knowledge and effective coping skills tiredness, irritability and problems with concentration to help you sleep as soundly as possible. The group meets or memory. weekly for four weeks and many people begin seeing improve- ments within the initial two to three weeks of treatment.

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Recently, web-based treatment programs have How is RLS diagnosed? incorporated the principles of CBT-I, providing greater Your physician will take a medical and sleep history, accessibility to this treatment. Cleveland Clinic’s and perform a full physical and neurological exam Sleep Disorders Center has partnered with Cleveland to check for nerve damage or blood vessel prob- Clinic’s Wellness Institute to develop a six-week online lems. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out medical program, which is designed for patients who are expe- disorders associated with RLS. Sleep studies are not riencing short-term insomnia or those with episodic required to diagnose RLS but may be indicated if other insomnia (with more frequent sleeplessness sleep disorders are suspected, such as sleep apnea. at times of higher stress levels). The GO!® to Sleep Program follows a similar treatment plan to those used How is RLS treated? in our own sleep clinic, but allows patients to improve RLS is treated in different ways, depending on the sleep from the comfort and privacy of their own intensity of the symptoms. In some cases, RLS is homes. Some people with insomnia need face-to-face temporary and resolves when other conditions are treatment with a therapist, but online treatment pro- treated. RLS is either primary (inherited or genetic) or grams can be an effective treatment strategy for many secondary. If secondary causes cannot be treated (like patients. For information about the GO!® to Sleep in renal failure or peripheral neuropathy), medications Program, visit clevelandclinicwellness.com/sleep. to manage RLS symptoms are prescribed.

Several types of medications are effective for treatment of RLS including new treatments recently FDA approved. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder Treatment should be tailored to meet the individual’s causing an intense, often irresistible urge to move your needs and timed in accordance with symptom onset. legs. RLS is brought on by lying down or sitting for long Lifestyle changes include avoiding caffeine, alcohol and periods of time. Although RLS can occur at any age, tobacco. Massage, warm baths and leg stretches it is more common in older adults and affects women also may be helpful. more than men. DISORDERS Several medical problems can contribute to developing RLS, including iron deficiency, Parkinson’s , Circadian rhythm disorders are disruptions in the renal (kidney) disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis circadian rhythm — a name given to the “internal (RA) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain, tingling body clock” that regulates the roughly 24-hour cycle of or loss of feeling in the extremities). Pregnant women, biological processes in animals and plants. The term dialysis patients, and those taking antidepressants, “circadian” comes from Latin, meaning “around a day.” sedating antihistamines or anti-nausea medications There are several types of circadian rhythm disorders, may develop RLS. including delayed sleep phase disorder, advanced sleep phase disorder, from traveling between time What are the symptoms of RLS? The urge to move your legs is often accompanied by zones, and sleep disorders caused by tingling, pulling, creeping or uncomfortable sensations. irregular sleep schedules. This condition, which typically occurs in the evening, is partially or completely relieved by stretching, walking or exercising the affected muscles. RLS can cause problems falling asleep, staying asleep, daytime tiredness, irritability and concentration problems.

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What are the symptoms of circadian What are the symptoms of SWSD? rhythm disorders? The most common symptoms are insomnia and In circadian rhythm disorders, there is a continuous or excessive sleepiness. Others include difficulty occasional disruption of sleep patterns. This disruption concentrating, headaches and lack of energy. Not is either a malfunction of the internal body clock, or a every shift worker suffers from SWSD, but it is mismatch between the internal clock and the external important to seek treatment if you are affected environment regarding timing and length of sleep. to avoid driving accidents, work-related errors, As a result, those with circadian rhythm disorders increased sick leave and mood problems. experience insomnia at certain times and excessive sleepiness at other times. This causes problems func- How is SWSD diagnosed? tioning at work, school or in social activities. If you are a shift worker and experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. He How are circadian rhythm disorders diagnosed? or she will take a medical and sleep history, conduct Diagnosing a circadian rhythm disorder is challenging a physical exam and determine if a sleep study, or and often requires consultation with a sleep specialist, other testing, is needed. who will help rule out other sleep and medical disor- ders. Some circadian rhythm disorders are prone to be How is SWSD treated? misdiagnosed as or co-exist with insomnia or sleep apnea. You may be asked to keep a detailed Shift workers should be educated on the importance of sleep diary for several weeks. Overnight and daytime prioritizing time for sleep. There are many strategies to sleep studies also may be needed. help you sleep even during the day time such as: • Follow regular bedtime rituals How are circadian rhythm disorders treated? Treatment options vary based on the type of disorder • Keep a regular schedule even on weekends and how severely it is affecting your quality of life. • Get seven to eight hours of sleep daily Options include: • Ask your family to create a quiet environment during • Behavior therapy: includes standardizing sleep your sleep time times, getting regular exercise, and avoiding • Put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. caffeine and stimulating activities before bedtime • Turn your mobile device off • Bright : 30- to 60-minute treatments to reset the circadian clock • Medications: such as , wake-promoting These disruptive sleep-related disorders arise from agents and short-term sleep aids rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or arousals from • Chronotherapy: adjusting sleep times by one to two non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. hours per day to shift the They are characterized by undesirable physical or What is an example of a circadian rhythm disorder? emotional experiences, such as walking or talking in Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) affects people association with specific sleep stages or sleep wake who frequently rotate shifts or work at night. These transitions. schedules (usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.) go against the body’s natural circadian rhythm, and cause difficulty adjusting to different sleep and wake schedules.

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What are the symptoms of parasomnias? There are many different types of parasomnias, including:

Nightmares: Vivid that can cause feelings of , terror and/or anxiety. Usually, the person is abruptly awakened from REM sleep and can recall details of their . Illness, anxiety, loss of a loved one or medications can cause .

Sleep terrors/night terrors: Abruptly arousing from a deep sleep in a terrified state. The person may appear awake, but is confused and unable to com- municate. Lasting for about 15 minutes, the individual usually lies down and falls asleep afterwards, not remembering the event the next morning. Sleep terrors or night terrors are common in children between the ages of 4 to 12 years old, and may affect adults. Sleep terrors/night terrors are sometimes caused by emotional tension, and alcohol can increase their occurrence.

Sleepwalking: Occurs when a person appears to be awake, with eyes ® open, but the person is actually in a deep sleep. is common GO! to Sleep in children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, as well as in older adults. The length of episodes varies, and individuals have little or no Program memory of their actions. Confusional arousals: Occurs when a person is awakened from deep sleep Cleveland Clinic’s Go! to Sleep Program during the first part of the night. It involves an exaggerated slowness or provides six weeks’ worth of effective sleep trouble comprehending upon waking. therapy without leaving home. Participants will receive: Sleep : Characterized by abnormal eating patterns during the night without full awareness. • An online sleep log to help determine their daily sleep score and daily rec- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD): Acting out dramatic and/or violent ommendations to improve their sleep dreams during REM sleep. RBD usually occurs in men who are 50 years or • Activities to help them sleep better older, but it may occur in women and younger people. • Daily emails from the program coach Sleep (bedwetting): When a person is unable to maintain urinary • Daily articles to help them get the control while asleep. Bedwetting may be primary (from infancy onward) or most from the program secondary (new onset condition) caused by medical conditions or psychiat- ric disorders. • Personal progress charts • Six specially crafted relaxation How are parasomnias diagnosed? practices Frequent episodes that are disturbing to sleep or affect the household or • Motivational tips cause injury require evaluation by a sleep expert. Primary care providers can diagnose and manage straightforward cases. • A mobile app for easy sleep-tracking How are parasomnias treated? Many parasomnias are more common in children and do not require treat- ment, as they tend to resolve them in time. However, some parasomnias,

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such as RBD and confusional arousals in adults, may require treatment such as medications. Enuresis is treated with behavioral modification, alarm devices and medications.

NARCOLEPSY Narcolepsy is a that has been linked to reduced amounts of a neuropeptide called hypocretin in a specific part of the brain that is important in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day despite adequate sleep. These sudden sleep “attacks” may occur during any type of activity and at any time of day.

What are the symptoms of narcolepsy? Those who suffer from narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms may include episodes of sudden loss of muscle tone or weakness (), a temporary inability to move during sleep-wake transitions (sleep ), as well as sleep-related and disturbed nighttime sleep.

How is narcolepsy diagnosed? The diagnosis of narcolepsy is made after performing a detailed medical and sleep history and physical exam. Two sleep lab tests that are usually required include a polysomnogram (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT).

A PSG is an overnight study that takes continuous measurements to document sleep cycle abnormalities such as rapid eye movement (REM) 10,000+ disturbances. The MSLT is a daytime test of five short naps that are scheduled two hours apart, which measures a person’s tendency to fall More than 10,000 sleep asleep. The MSLT determines whether isolated elements of REM sleep studies are performed in intrude at inappropriate times during the waking hours. our laboratories each year. How is narcolepsy treated? Treatment is aimed at improving alertness during the desired time of day, based on your needs and lifestyle. It is possible to maximize your quality of sleep by following good sleep habits, including:

• maintaining a regular sleep-wake schedule • not staying up late on weekends • avoiding alcohol and other central nervous system depressants • modifying work and school schedules • taking short naps to avoid unintentional sleep attacks • using moderate amounts of caffeine to stay alert as needed

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• operating motor vehicles and heavy equipment with extreme caution and only when approved by your doctor.

Medications are used to treat daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep-related hallucinations and disturbed nocturnal sleep.

SLEEP DISORDERS AND COMORBID MEDICAL CONDITIONS Sleep disorders and other medical conditions often coexist. Some medical conditions may cause sleep disorders. Sleep disorders also can lead to other medical conditions. Treating both the sleep disorder and the other medical condition simultaneously improves the likelihood of getting both conditions under better control.

What are some of the different types of coexisting disorders? and OSA: Heart attack, high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, have been associated with OSA. The pauses in breathing throughout the night that occur with OSA can lead to intermittent increases in heart rate and blood pressure as well as decreases in oxygen levels, which, over time, can damage the heart and blood vessels. Appropriate treatment of OSA can reduce the risk of What is a cardiovascular disease. Patients who already have a history of high blood pressure may have improvement in blood pressure control once their OSA sleep study? is appropriately treated. Atrial fibrillation also may be better controlled or resolve once OSA has been treated. A sleep study or overnight polysom- Obesity and OSA: Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) > nogram (PSG) is a test that records 30. Excess weight leads to more collapsibility of the airway at night- sleep and the bioelectrical signals time, increasing the risk of the pauses in breathing that occur with OSA. coming from the body during sleep. Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is becoming more common for Respiratory monitoring during the the treatment of obesity, especially in patients with a BMI > 40. Bariatric PSGallows sleep specialists to rule surgery patients appear to have a higher risk of complications, including out the presence of sleep apnea as death, during their surgery when OSA also is present and goes untreated. a cause for the disrupted sleep and It is important for patients being evaluated for bariatric surgery to also be excessive muscle activity. evaluated for OSA so that they can be appropriately treated prior to under- going surgery. Weight loss can sometimes eliminate OSA, but even with significant weight loss, OSA does not always completely resolve due to other risk factors for OSA (including gender, family history, increasing age and airway anatomy). OSA is rarely treated with weight loss alone. Usually other methods, including PAP therapy, oral appliance, positional therapy or airway surgery are also used.

Peripheral neuropathy and RLS: Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition that causes pain, numbness or tingling in the legs and/or arms to due nerve damage in the limbs. Peripheral neuropathy is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease and vitamin deficiencies, and it can also cause restless legs syndrome

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(RLS). Leg symptoms are often times described as cause narcolepsy, a neurological disorder associated more painful (rather than uncomfortable or annoy- with due to a decrease in hypocretin. ing sensations) in patients with RLS due to peripheral Imaging of the central nervous system, lab work and neuropathy. Patients with RLS caused by peripheral sleep testing may be needed to help to further assess neuropathy may respond better to medications that symptoms. Treatment for hypersomnia may include the are used to treat neuropathy, rather than some of the use of wake promoting agents and ensuring appropriate other typical RLS medications. A thorough sensory treatment of the underlying neurological disorder. exam of the legs should be done in every patient with RLS symptoms to evaluate for peripheral neuropathy. Psychiatric disorders and insomnia: Patients with Certain labs also may need to be performed to look for often report experiencing low mood, a possible cause of peripheral neuropathy. impaired concentration, loss of interest in previ- ously enjoyed activities, lack of motivation, appetite Other neurological disorders and hypersomnia: OSA, changes and sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances insomnia and other sleep disorders coexist with a that frequently accompany depression are difficulties variety of common neurological conditions including falling asleep, difficulties staying asleep, early morning , stroke, Parkinson’s disease, , awakenings and unrefreshing sleep. Patients with and that can cause anxiety disorders have feelings of nervousness, difficul- hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. The ties relaxing and uncontrolled tension. Insomnia, in hypersomnia may be due to medication side effects, the form of difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying damage to the areas of the brain that regulate wakeful- asleep or nocturnal panic attacks, accompanies half ness, or a combination of both. Multiple sclerosis and of patients with anxiety. People who abuse alcohol or traumatic brain injury have additionally been shown to illicit drugs also frequently experience sleep issues.

What are the most common pediatric sleep disorders?

Younger children Older children/teens • Bedtime struggles • Insufficient sleep • Night awakenings • Circadian (biological clock • Sleepwalking rhythm disorders) • Sleep terrors • Insomnia • Nightmares • Snoring • Head banging • Sleep apnea • Sleep apnea • Narcolepsy • Bedwetting • Movement disorders, • Narcolepsy like restless legs syndrome (RLS) • Movement disorders like • Sleepwalking restless legs syndrome (RLS) • Bedwetting • Circadian (biological clock) rhythm disorders • Nocturnal

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They may use alcohol or drugs to try to treat insom- Children may also undergo a MSLT (multiple sleep nia, but these substances are not effective. Substance latency test), a series of five daytime naps at two-hour abuse can ultimately lead to serious health and per- intervals, to diagnose possible narcolepsy. Other tests formance problems. Proper evaluation includes seeing may include sleep logs and (in which a both sleep and /psychology experts. Further small motion detector is worn on the wrist to assess testing with an overnight sleep study may be needed. sleep-wake rhythms). Occasionally, blood and Treatment for the insomnia includes treating the under- urine tests, spinal fluid analysis, and genetic tests lying problem, often times with medications. Cognitive are recommended. behavioral therapy for insomnia also may be helpful. How are pediatric sleep disorders treated? PEDIATRIC SLEEP DISORDERS Treatment depends on the type of disorder and its Children spend a substantial part of their lives asleep. severity. Some sleep disorders, such as night terrors or In fact, in infancy and early childhood, the developing sleep walking, are developmental and usually resolve brain seems to need more time asleep than awake. with time—only requiring intervention if they are This underscores the importance of sleep to the overall alarming or dangerous in nature. well-being of a child. Children with sleep disorders may Other sleep disorders can be treated in a variety of suffer from lack of adequate sleep time or experience ways, including the use of continuous positive airway poor sleep quality, or both. pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnea, tonsil and adenoid surgery, bright light therapy or medication. What are the symptoms of pediatric sleep disorders? Behavioral techniques and adjustment of sleep sched- Sleep disorders may lead to an inability to get up in time ules can be helpful in managing many sleep disorders. for school, daytime moodiness, irritability, lack of focus Psychosocial factors may be either the cause of sleep in class, and significant behavioral and learning problems. disorders or the result of sleep disorders. Therefore, it is In older children and teens, drug and alcohol abuse and not surprising that psychological, cognitive and behav- school absenteeism may result. Some sleep disorders ioral interventions, with or without medications, can be are serious enough to cause adverse cardiovascular beneficial in some cases. and metabolic effects. Children may be misdiagnosed with mood, attention or motivational problems, which SLEEP DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY entirely miss the true underlying sleep problem. As you age, there are general changes in sleep pat- How are pediatric sleep disorders diagnosed? terns, including spending more time in light sleep, If your child has difficulty sleeping, discuss the matter having more disrupted nighttime sleep, having more with your pediatrician. Your child may benefit from a health conditions that negatively affect sleep quality referral to a pediatric sleep doctor to further investigate and quantity, sleeping less, and taking more daytime the problem. A sleep specialist will obtain a thor- naps that can cause an irregular sleep-wake cycle. ough medical and sleep history, as well as conduct However, sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep a physical exam to identify any medical problems. In apnea, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and REM behav- some cases it may be necessary to observe your child ior disorder, also are associated with aging. overnight in a sleep laboratory while a polysomnogram is conducted. This test records brain activity, eye move- What are the common causes of sleep problems ments, muscle activity, tissue oxygen, carbon dioxide, in older adults? oro-nasal (mouth and nose) airflow and breathing pat- Common causes of sleep problems in older adults terns during sleep. include poor sleep habits, medical illness, medicines,

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psychological stress or psychiatric disorders, What is a PAP Titration Study? and retirement. A Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Titration study is an overnight study that is done after a diagnosis of sleep SLEEP AND AGING apnea has been made. The purpose is to determine the appropriate pressure setting of the PAP machine How do I know if I’m getting enough sleep? that will effectively treat the sleep apnea. The pressure To check if you have a sleep problem, ask yourself about that is delivered through the PAP mask is gradu- the quality of your time awake. If you are getting less ally increased while the patient is sleeping until the sleep than when you were younger, but still feel rested pauses in breathing that occur with sleep apnea are and energetic during the day, it may be that you now need under control. less sleep. Every person’s sleep needs are different.

However, if you are noticing your lack of sleep is affect- What is a PAP Nap? ing your daytime activities, you should try to determine A PAP Nap is a daytime study for patients who have the cause of your sleeplessness and take steps to get anxiety about starting PAP therapy, are claustropho- better rest. Consult a sleep expert if you have concerns bic, or are having difficulty tolerating PAP therapy. The about your sleeping patterns or the possibility of having patient works one-on-one with a sleep technologist, a sleep disorder. He or she will conduct a medical and using relaxation, deep breathing and desensitization sleep history, physical exam and may order an over- techniques to try to become more comfortable with PAP night sleep study, called a polysomnogram, or other therapy. The session lasts for up to several hours with additional testing. the expectation that the patient will become comfortable enough with the PAP therapy to fall asleep. Minimal SLEEP STUDIES bioelectrical electrodes are used during these studies. More than 10,000 sleep studies are performed in our What is a MSLT Study? laboratories each year. A Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime sleep study that consists of five short nap trials that What is a sleep study? are scheduled two hours apart. The study measures A sleep study or overnight polysomnogram (PSG) is a person’s tendency to fall asleep. MSLTs determine a test that records sleep and the bioelectrical signals whether isolated elements of REM sleep intrude at coming from your body during sleep. Respiratory inappropriate times during the waking hours. MSLTs (breathing) monitoring during the PSG allows sleep are generally used to evaluate for narcolepsy or specialists to rule out breathing problems during sleep other forms of hypersomnia. as the reason for the disrupted sleep and excessive muscle activity. What is a MWT Study? A Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) is a What is PAP? daytime sleep study that consists of four nap trials that With positive airway pressure (PAP), patients wear a mask are scheduled two hours apart. They test a patient’s over their nose and/or mouth and an air blower that ability to stay awake. MWTs are used to determine provides a constant flow of pressure into the upper effectiveness of wake promoting medications and airway. Different types of pressure delivery are available response to PAP therapy in patients with sleep apnea based on the individual’s needs to prevent the upper who also have hypersomnia. airway tissues from collapsing during sleep. PAP prevents airway closure while in use, but apnea episodes return when PAP is stopped or if it is used improperly. Many types and styles of devices are available.

CLEVELANDCLINIC.ORG/SLEEP 13 CLEVELAND CLINIC | SLEEP DISORDERS | TREATMENT GUIDE

1978

Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center, established in 1978, was among the first in the nation dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in people of all ages.

READY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Call 216.636.5860 or toll-free 866.588.2264 to make an appointment with any of the experts in Cleveland Clinic’s Sleep Disorders Center.

For information about our sleep specialists, visit clevelandclinic.org/sleepspecialists.

To speak with a sleep technologist after hours (5 p.m. to 8 a.m.), please call 216.444.8536 or toll-free, 800.223.2273, ext. 48536.

For more information, call 216.444.2165 or visit clevelandclinic.org/sleep.

Need a second opinion but cannot travel to Cleveland?

Our MyConsult service offers secure online second opinions for patients who cannot travel to Cleveland. Through this service, patients enter detailed health information and mail pertinent test results to us. Then, Cleveland Clinic experts render an opinion that includes treatment options or alternative recommendations regarding future therapeutic considerations. To learn more about MyConsult, please visit clevelandclinic.org/myconsult.

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14 SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE | CALL 216.636.5860 FOR THE SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER