Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders include a range of problems -- from insomnia to narcolepsy -- and affect millions of Americans.

Our experts at Washington Hospital Center offer specialized care in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the sinuses and nose.

More common disorders may include:

• Sleep apnea
• Snoring

Our doctors are trained in the latest procedures for treating sleep-related disorders.

1. Your doctor will first recommend that you be observed while you are sleeping in order to determine the exact nature of your disorder.
2. Many times lifestyle and behavior modifications can help patients with sleep-related disorders. These may involve dietary changes, weight-modification techniques, relaxation techniques and other stress-reducers.
3. Sleep apnea is most effectively treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This is a mask that fits over your nose or face and keeps your airway open while you sleep. These masks are fitted by sleep apnea specialists.
4. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you are unable to tolerate using CPAP. There are now cutting edge technologies to correct sleep apnea that bring many patients relief.

   The most common sleep-related disorder surgeries are:

   • Surgical nasal treatments . Patients may elect to have surgery to reduce the size of their turbinates (structures inside the nose that may create blockage) or to correct deviated septums (the septum is a thin piece of cartilage that separates the nasal cavities and can create blockage).
   • Base of tongue reductions . Your doctor may recommend surgery to correct a functional problem with your tongue that is contributing to your breathing problems during sleep.
   • Uvulopalatopharygoplasty (UP3). Your surgeons will remove the tonsils and uvula, shorten the soft palate and tighten the lateral back of the throat. UP3 is often successful in treating snoring, and your doctor may recommend it for that sleep-related disorder.