A Good Night's Sleep Is on the Way!
When was the last time you had a good night's sleep? Sleep is more than just time out from our daily activities. It's a time for the mind and body to renew and restore. Disturbed nights and poor sleep can lead to serious health problems and diminished quality of life.

At the Gritman Sleep Center our goal is to make healthy sleep a possibility for everyone.

The Gritman Sleep Center is fully accredited by the American Association of Sleep Medicine. It is staffed and equipped to evaluate and treat most sleep-related disorders. We can diagnose and begin treatment for many disorders in just one night. Using a polysomnogram, or sleep study, our registered polysomnographic technologist works closely with our medical director to identify and confirm sleep disorders, measure the severity and recommend treatment options. Most sleep disorders can be treated successfully.

The Polysomnogram: A Study of Sleep
A polysomnogram, also called a sleep study, is an overnight procedure designed to monitor and record the various changes in the body during sleep. The study is conducted in a comfortable, private room by a qualified sleep technologist. Brain waves, muscle activity, body position, breathing and oxygen levels in the blood are some of the items monitored during the study. A physician's referral is required for the study. Talk with your physician or call the Sleep Center at (208) 883-6236 for more information about sleep studies and disorders.

Commonly Diagnosed Sleep Disorders
A sleep disorder can cause a person to feel unrested during the day, interfering with work and personal life. Those with a disorder might become unusually forgetful, have trouble concentrating, or be irritable, anxious or depressed. If left untreated, many disorders can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack or stroke. Sometimes the person with a sleep disorder may not realize they have a problem, but a partner is very aware of the condition. Listed below are the most commonly diagnosed sleep disorders and symptoms.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Apnea is defined as a pause in breathing. Apnea during sleep is more frequent in middle-aged, obese men, but under the appropriate circumstances it can occur in anyone at any age. Loud snoring and daytime sleepiness are key symptoms.

Insomnia
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep. There are many causes of insomnia. Among them are anxiety, depression, alcoholism and even the long-term use of sleeping pills. People with serious insomnia may not function well during the day.

Restless Legs Syndrome
People with this condition typically experience an unpleasant or creepy, crawly sensation in their legs. The sensations are most bothersome in the evening, which can cause difficulty falling asleep.

Narcolepsy
This is a condition where attacks of uncontrollable sleep take place, or frightening dream-like episodes occur while falling asleep. Episodes of weakness brought on by emotions such as laughter often coexist.

Parasomnias
This category of sleep disorders includes conditions such as sleep walking, bed-wetting and nightmares. They are undesirable events that occur exclusively in sleep or are made worse by sleep.

Common Complaints of Individuals Who Have Sleep Disorders

• "I have difficulty falling asleep."
• "I fall asleep in front of the TV every night."
• "I am too sleepy during the day, even though I think I sleep well at night."
• "My snoring is so bad that my spouse refuses to sleep in the same bed with me."
• "I have a strange feeling in my legs that keeps me awake."

Loud snoring or other sleep-related conditions can lead to serious health problems. If you or your sleeping partner suspect a sleep disorder, talk with your healthcare provider or call the Gritman Sleep Center at (208) 883-6236. Let us help you get a good night's sleep.

How Sleepy Are You?
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
In contrast to just feeling tired, how likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations? Use the following scale and select the most appropriate number for each situation:

0 = Would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing

Situation:
Sitting and reading
Watching TV
Sitting inactive in a public place
As a passenger for an hour without a break
Lying down to rest in the afternoon
Sitting and talking to someone
Sitting quietly after lunch
In a car while stopping for a few minutes in traffic

Total Score
Scoring
8-10 mild sleepiness
11-15 moderate sleepiness
16-20 severe sleepiness
21-24 excessive sleepiness

A score of less that eight indicates normal sleep function. A score of 11 or more may indicate a potential sleep problem. Talk with your healthcare provider or call the Gritman Sleep Center at (208) 883-6236 for more information.