The Benefits of Sleep Devices

Many people take a good night’s rest for granted, but for patients who have sleep disorders, the type of deep, restorative sleep that our bodies and minds need are elusive. If you have one of these disorders, several sleep devices are available that might be able to help you.

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that affect your ability to sleep well on a regular basis. They make you feel tired and can also have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being.

You may have trouble concentrating and have morning headaches, among other symptoms. In some cases, a sleep disorder can also raise your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

In many cases, sleep disorders aren’t accurately diagnosed or effectively treated. That’s why it’s important to get treatment from a sleep specialist since this type of doctor has the knowledge, training, and experience that’s needed. He or she may also conduct a sleep study, a non-invasive test that measures exactly what happens in your body when you sleep, from your breathing to your movements. This can help confirm or rule out the presence of a sleep disorder and determine its severity.

What are some of the most common types of sleep disorders?

The following are some of the most common types of sleep disorders:

• Sleep apnea – characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night and usually caused by a blocked airway
• Narcolepsy – a chronic brain disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of “sleep attacks” during the daytime
• Insomnia – characterized by an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Restless legs syndrome – a neurological disorder that causes a restless or “creepy-crawly” feeling in the legs when you’re at rest
• Circadian rhythm disorders – characterized by issues with your “internal body clock,” which regulates your sleep and other habits

What are some effective types of sleep devices, and what benefits do they provide?

The following are some sleep devices that help with various sleep disorders:

• Re-Timer – This light therapy system adjusts the time you fall asleep and can be helpful for people who have Circadian rhythm disorders.
• SoClean – CPAP machines are probably the most common way to treat sleep apnea, but they can be difficult to properly clean. SoClean is the world’s first CPAP that cleans and sanitizes itself automatically in just a few minutes.
• Mute – This small instrument is worn on your nose and helps you breathe more freely and masks the sounds of snoring that can be associated with sleep apnea.
• Quell – This wearable pain relief device can be worn around the clock to help relieve pain associated with sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome.

If you’d like to find out more about sleep devices and how they may be able to help you, make an appointment today for an evaluation with Sleep & Neuroscience Associates in Greenwich, CT. Our doctors will get you the help you need to sleep better and improve your overall well-being.