973.272.6933
 
 
 

What is Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the throat completely or partially collapses causing interrupted sleep.  Snoring occurs when the throat is partially closed and the air passing through causes the throat to vibrate.

The health consequences directly related to Sleep Apnea are still exceedingly underestimated. A recent government-funded study assessed that at least 72,000 of cardiac deaths that occur annually are attributed to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This equals roughly 200 deaths per day. Due to the extreme physical impact of OSA on a person’s cardiac system, efforts are being made to fully assess the long-term, physical and mental impacts of this sleep disorder.


The following are nationally accepted consequences of Sleep Apnea:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Diabetes and ObesityImpotence and Infertility
  • Vehicle related accidents
  • Cardiac arrhythmias (sinus arrest, atrial fibrillation, premature atrial and ventrical contractions
  • Myocardial infarction (heart attack)Cardiovascular
  • Accident (stroke) death


Compared with general populations, patients with
Sleep Apnea have:

 

  • Two times the incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Three times as much coronary artery disease.
  • Four times the rate of cerebrovascular disease (stroke).


Do children suffer from sleep disorders? 


According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 3% of children between the ages of 2-8 years are afflicted by Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  Studies indicate that children with OSA tend to have behavioral problems similar to those of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A recent study of first grade students found that 18% of the students in the lowest 10% of the class have OSA. Treatment of OSA led to a significant improvement in school performance.


What is Insomnia?

There are three main types of insomnia including:

·         Sleep Onset Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep

·         Sleep Maintenance Insomnia (difficulty staying asleep), and/or

·         Early Morning Awakening Insomnia (waking early with difficulty returning to sleep)

For a diagnosis of insomnia to be appropriate, individuals must also report distress about sleep or difficulties functioning (at work, school, or socially) because of sleep problems.

 

Important things to consider… 

·         Just as many women experience sleep problems as men. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause all affect sleep.

·         Children require more sleep but also suffer from sleep disorders. Our sleep specialist at Clifton Center for Sleep Disorders specializes in pediatrics sleep disorders and works with parents to address lack of sleep and the relationship between a child’s sleep and behavior.

·         Older adults incorrectly accept less sleep as part of the aging process. Medical conditions affecting seniors are closely related to sleep.

·         Lack of sleep affects your mental well-being. It causes irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression.

·         Lack of sleep affects your performance. Your concentration, memory, and decision-making skills are compromised. Each year 200,000 auto accidents are sleep-related.



Clifton Center For Sleep Disorders
6 Brighton Road, Suite 106, Clifton, NJ 07012
Phone: 973.272.6933  Fax: 973.272.6935