Most people have questions about sleep disorders, and about what to expect at our center. Here are some of the most common:
Why should I choose the Unity Sleep Disorders Center?
We are the area's most experienced center for diagnosing and treating sleep-related disorders; we've have ongoing accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 1985.
How much sleep do I really need?
This can actually depend on your age because sleep patterns may change as you get older. While infants need up to 16 hours, adults should get about seven to eight hours. In some cases, elderly patients may experience more disturbed sleep and have a greater need for naps. Daytime naps may disturb nighttime sleep for some, but others make them part of a healthy pattern.
When is it time to seek treatment?
If you experience difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep—or daytime sleepiness—you should talk to your doctor. While some conditions require medication, many others can be resolved with simple changes in daily habits or work schedules. There are many effective approaches that can treat sleep disorders without medication.
What’s the process?
The first step is your evaluation: you’ll complete a questionnaire about your problem and how it affects your life. Then, you’ll meet with a sleep specialist who may diagnose you during an initial exam or order a sleep study. Your condition may require monitoring with a sleep study that can reveal exactly when the problem occurs and what is going wrong. Your sleep study will be conducted here at the Unity Sleep Disorders Center.
How long does a sleep study take?
A sleep study would run from your bedtime until 6 am. The lights in your room would be turned off at your bedtime—no later than 11 pm.