Sleep Disorders Specialist

Houston Specialty Clinic

Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine located in Houston, and Sugar Land, TX

Sleep is essential to leading a happy, healthy, and active life. If you or your child is suffering from sleep problems the sleep specialists at Houston Specialty Clinic in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, can help determine the underlying cause and most effective solution for sleep disorders. Led by board-certified physicians Joshua Rotenberg, MD, and Sarat Susarla, MD, the practice specializes in comprehensive, family-centered care. To schedule a visit, call today.

Sleep Disorders Q & A

What is a sleep disorder?

A sleep disorder is a condition that alters the way you sleep. There are a number of different types of sleep disorders that cause excessive sleepiness or wakefulness. Sleep disorders can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life.

Poor sleep health can increase your risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It also puts you at an increased risk of injuries at home, at work, or on the road.

What are the different types of sleep disorders?

Some common sleep disorders include:

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes abnormal wakefulness. Insomnia makes it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Because of the lack of sleep, many people with insomnia wake up feeling tired. Symptoms of insomnia include waking up too early, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty focusing or paying attention. Insomnia may occur on its own or as a result of other factors like stress, travel, or medications.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) develops when you stop breathing repeatedly while you’re sleeping. When you sleep, the muscles in the back of your throat naturally relax. For people with OSA, these muscles relax too much to the point of blocking your airway.

The symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness. If your child has OSA, you may notice signs like poor school performance, bed-wetting, and mouth breathing.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a type of sleep disorder that causes excessive, uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy have a hard time staying awake for long periods of time no matter how much sleep they got the night before. Narcolepsy is a chronic condition that has no cure. Although narcolepsy can impact your daily life, there are effective ways to manage and control the condition.

How are sleep disorders treated?

Before treatment, your doctor performs a thorough evaluation to properly diagnose your condition. In addition to discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor uses a sleep study to gather information about your disorder. A sleep study is a test that provides essential information, such as your brain activity, heart rate, and oxygen levels, about your sleep cycles.

After the sleep study, your doctor analyzes your results and works with you to develop the most effective treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for your sleep disorder may include:

Medication
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy
Oral devices
Tonsil and adenoid removal
Lifestyle modifications

To speak with a specialist about the sleep health of you or your child, book an appointment at Houston Specialty Clinic by phone today.