Sleep Lab Clinic

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder which results in the temporary obstruction of the upper airway, usually at the level of the base of the tongue. Typically, multiple obstructions occurr each night, only during sleep – oxygen levels drop dangerously low and may lead to serious complications.

Complications of OSA may include pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure and seizures during sleep. A formal overnight sleep study may be performed to properly evaluate any significant sleep disorder such as OSA.

You are advised to discuss with your physician any problems with sleeplessness. He/She may advise that you have a sleep study performed.

For information, call:
Sweetwater Hospital Association Respiratory Care Department
865-213-8500

A persistent inability to fall or stay asleep.

Sleeping too much or sleeping at inappropriate times. Sleep Apnea and Narcolepsy are the chief causes of sever hypersomnia.

Daytime sleep attacks and/or sleeping at inappropriate times.

Problems that occur only during sleep or are brought about by sleep such as nightmares, sleepwalking, sleep talking, teeth grinding, abnormal movements and bedwetting.

This occurs when the opportunity to sleep does not coincide with the body’s ability to stay awake and to sleep. This state often occurs in patients who are on shift work.