SLEEP MEDICINE

Helping patients achieve better sleep and in turn, improve their lives

SLEEP MEDICINE SERVICES IN CHESTERFIELD, HENRICO, AND
PRINCE GEORGE, VA

Sleep medicine is a medical subspecialty focused on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and other sleep-related concerns. Sleep disorders are common and, if left untreated, can have significant long-term consequences, such as the increased risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about one-third of adults report insomnia symptoms, and 6-10 percent meet the criteria for insomnia disorder.

Sleep disorders involve problems with the quality, timing and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. They often occur along with medical conditions or other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive disorders. Although there are several different types, insomnia is the most common. Other sleep disorders include obstructive sleep apnea, parasomnias, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome.

Vitalcare family practice provider checking blood pressure during a sleep medicine and primary care visit in chesterfield, prince george, and henrico, va.

Sleep difficulties are linked to both physical and emotional problems. In addition, sleep problems can both contribute to or exacerbate mental health conditions and can be a symptom of other mental health conditions. Treating patients with sleep disorders involves a blend of physiology, neurology and psychiatry in patients of all ages.

HOW ARE SLEEP DISORDERS DIAGNOSED?

Our sleep medicine experts use a variety of tools to make an accurate diagnosis of your sleep problem, beginning with a complete medical history that includes information about activities, school, work, life at home, and medications that may be affecting your sleep.

Our doctors will use specialized diagnostic tools to gain better insight into the cause of some sleep problems. These tools include sleep journals and the sleepiness scale. If medical history and the information collected from the sleep diary and sleepiness scale suggest an underlying medical condition, our doctors may recommend a sleep study or polysomnogram. During sleep studies, patients are connected to sensors that monitor the stages of sleep, body movements, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.

Vitalcare managing sleep disorders as a family blog

TYPES OF SLEEP DISORDERS

  • Central sleep apnea
  • Circadian sleep disorders
  • Hypersomnia
  • Insomnia
  • Narcolepsy
  • Nighttime leg cramps
  • Nightmare disorder
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Parasomnias
  • REM sleep behavior disorder
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Sleep terrors (“night terrors”)
  • Sleepwalking (somnambulism)
  • Snoring

AT-HOME SLEEP TESTS

What Do At-Home Sleep Tests Measure?

When you take an at-home sleep test, specific biological parameters are measured to gain insight into your sleep issues. Several factors are measured:

  • Nasal and oral airflow
  • Respiratory effort
  • Oxygen levels

TREATING SLEEP DISORDERS

Treatment for a sleep disorder is not one-size-fits-all. After determining what may be affecting your sleep, your VitalCare provider will recommend treatment options based on your diagnosis, symptoms, health history and individual needs.

For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a diagnosis does not necessarily mean CPAP will be the only treatment option. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

  • CPAP or other positive airway pressure therapies
  • Lifestyle and healthy sleep habit changes
  • Medications when appropriate for certain sleep disorders
  • Oral appliances or dental sleep appliances
  • Positional therapy
  • Weight management when appropriate
  • Inspire® therapy for eligible patients with obstructive sleep apnea
  • Referral to a dental, ENT or other specialist when additional care is needed

At VitalCare Family Practice, our goal is to help identify the treatment approach that best supports healthier sleep and your overall well-being.

Sleep apnea medicine difficulty sleeping

SLEEP APNEA

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by irregular breathing during sleep, in which breathing stops and starts throughout the night. Patients with sleep apnea may experience daytime sleepiness, snoring, morning headaches and more.

Sleep apnea can often be managed in several ways depending on the type and severity of your condition, your health history and your individual needs. While CPAP is an effective treatment for many patients, other options may include oral appliances, lifestyle changes, positional therapy and Inspire® therapy for eligible patients.

Your VitalCare provider can help you understand your options and determine which treatment or referral may be appropriate for you.

Sleep apnea treatment

INSPIRE THERAPY

For certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate or do not benefit from CPAP therapy, Inspire® may offer another treatment option. Inspire is an implanted therapy that works with your natural breathing pattern to help keep your airway open while you sleep.

Because Inspire is not right for every patient, additional evaluation is needed to determine whether you may be a candidate. VitalCare Family Practice can help guide you through your treatment options and coordinate additional care when appropriate.

Insmonia difficulty sleeping sleep medicine treatment services

INSOMNIA

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Left untreated, it can impact your mood, energy, focus and overall quality of life. Our team in Chesterfield, Henrico, and Prince George, VA is here to help you take control of your sleep health!

Sleep medicine narcolepsy treatment services

NARCOLEPSY

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes sudden sleep onset and drowsiness. While there is no definitive cure for narcolepsy, our compassionate team at VitalCare Family Practice will help you to manage your symptoms and live as normal of a life as possible.

Teen boy sleeping

PEDIATRIC SLEEP MEDICINE

Sleep is essential to your child’s growth and development. If your teen is suffering from a sleep disorder, our sleep specialists at VitalCare Family Practice can swiftly diagnose your child’s sleep issues, and help them achieve more regular, restful sleep.

Sleep Services FAQs

Getting answers about your sleep can be the first step toward feeling more rested and improving your overall health. Explore common questions about sleep disorders, testing and treatment options available through VitalCare Family Practice.

What are the signs that I may have a sleep disorder?

Common signs include persistent daytime fatigue, difficulty falling or staying asleep, loud snoring, waking frequently during the night, morning headaches and trouble concentrating. If poor sleep regularly affects your energy, mood or daily activities, a sleep evaluation may help identify the cause.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed through an evaluation of your symptoms, health history and sleep patterns. Your VitalCare provider may recommend a sleep study to monitor breathing, oxygen levels and other measurements while you sleep. Depending on your needs, testing may be completed at home or in a sleep center.

Not necessarily. CPAP is an effective treatment for many people with obstructive sleep apnea, but it is not the only option. Depending on your condition, treatment may include an oral appliance, positional therapy, lifestyle changes, weight management or Inspire® therapy for eligible patients.

Sleep medicine providers evaluate and treat a variety of conditions that interfere with restful sleep, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome and other sleep-related concerns. Your VitalCare provider will base your treatment on the underlying cause of your symptoms and may include testing, lifestyle recommendations, medication or additional therapies.

Consider talking with your VitalCare provider if sleep problems occur regularly, leave you tired during the day or interfere with work, concentration, mood or daily life. You should also seek evaluation if you snore loudly, wake up gasping or someone notices pauses in your breathing during sleep.