Sleep Medicine
Poor sleep can affect every aspect of your life, including your physical and mental health. If you are having trouble getting a good night’s rest, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 million people in the United States have sleep disorders.
Our sleep medicine specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System provide comprehensive care in your community, backed by the expertise of Mayo Clinic. They work with you to find the cause of your symptoms and develop a care plan.
With treatment, you may sleep better and function better during the day. Treatment can also help you manage and even prevent certain health problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Find out more about our Sleep Medicine services:
- Conditions and consultations
- Diagnosis and treatments
- Sleep medicine specialists
- Referrals
- FAQ
- Sleep Medicine locations near you
- Sleep Medicine providers near you
Conditions and consultations
We diagnose and treat a wide range of sleep issues, including:
- Central sleep apnea
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Idiopathic daytime hypersomnia
- Insomnia
- Narcolepsy
- Nocturnal seizure disorder
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Periodic limb movement disorder
- REM sleep behavior disorder
- Restless legs syndrome
- Sleep bruxism, or teeth grinding
- Sleep terrors
- Sleepwalking
- Snoring
Diagnosis and treatments
The sleep medicine specialists at Mayo Clinic Health System provide comprehensive testing and treatment for all types of sleep disorders.
Diagnosing sleep disorders
Common tests we use to diagnose sleep disorders include:
- Sleep study (polysomnography): A sleep study is a test to monitor you while you sleep. We offer overnight and daytime sleep evaluations at our sleep centers, many of which are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. You may also be able to do a sleep study at home if your provider suspects sleep apnea and you have no other serious health issues.
- Actigraphy: This test measures sleep-wake patterns for an extended period. It helps diagnose circadian rhythm disorders that disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Data is collected using a device that looks like a wristwatch.
- Maintenance of wakefulness test: This test assesses your ability to remain awake in a nonstimulating environment. It can help assess the severity of sleep disorders and provide an objective measure of how sleepy you are during the day. The test involves sitting in a recliner, typically for two-hour intervals, while sensors and electrodes monitor wakefulness.
- Multiple sleep latency test: This test is often used to diagnose narcolepsy, a condition that causes extreme daytime sleepiness. It is typically performed the day after a sleep study. A sleep technologist applies sensors and electrodes to determine periods of sleep and wakefulness. They allow you to nap every two hours and measure how long it takes you to fall asleep.
Treating sleep disorders
Treatment can ease the symptoms of sleep disorders and improve your quality of life. It can also help prevent long-term health problems linked to sleep disorders, such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Our specialists tailor treatment to your condition, preferences and needs. Your care may include:
- Cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT: CBT can help patients with insomnia sleep better. It focuses on changing how you think about sleep and teaching you how to relax and develop better sleep habits.
- Light therapy: This treatment uses a light box to simulate sunlight. It is used to adjust sleep-wake times.
- Medicines: Your provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medicines to help you sleep or stay awake. It is important to take all medications as directed.
- Sleep apnea devices: Your options may include a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine or an oral device. Both work by opening your airway while you sleep.
- Sleep apnea surgery: If sleep apnea devices are not effective, your provider may suggest surgery to remove excess tissue in your mouth or throat. Implants may also be an option. These devices activate muscles in your throat or tongue to keep your airway open at night.
Watch this video to learn more about sleep apnea:
Sleep medicine specialists
Sleep medicine specialists are providers trained in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Most also have training in other areas, such as pulmonology, neurology or internal medicine. Their expertise ensures you receive high-quality care you can trust.
Our specialists include:
- Physicians
- Advanced practice providers
- Sleep technologists
You may also receive care from:
- Cardiologists
- Dentists
- Ear, nose and throat doctors, known as otolaryngologists
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Psychologists and psychiatrists
Referrals
A referral may be required for consultations and sleep studies. Call your preferred Sleep Medicine location to learn more.
If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.
FAQ
How do I know if I have a sleep disorder?
Many people are unaware they have a sleep disorder. Take the following quiz to find out if you are at risk.
Read these statements and keep track of all those you can say "yes" to:
- I feel sleepy during the day, even when I get a good night's sleep.
- I get very irritable when I can't sleep.
- I often wake up at night and have trouble falling back to sleep.
- It usually takes me a long time to fall asleep.
- I often wake up quite early and can't fall back to sleep.
- I usually feel achy and stiff when I wake up in the morning.
- I often seem to wake up because of dreams.
- I sometimes wake up gasping for breath.
- My bed partner says my snoring keeps them from sleeping.
- I've fallen asleep driving.
If you said "yes" to at least three statements, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider.
What can I expect with an overnight sleep study?
You will go to a sleep lab for the sleep study. When you arrive in the evening, you will be given a private, hotel-like room with a comfortable bed. Each room offers a private bathroom with a shower. You should bring items from home, including those you use for your bedtime routine and your own nightclothes.
The room has a video camera, so the technologist can see what is happening in the room. There is also an audio system. It allows the technologist to talk to you and hear you from their monitoring area outside the room. If you need assistance, you can talk to them through the audio system.
The technologist will attach sensors to you, which can be removed if you need to get up during the night. The sensors track your:
- Blood oxygen level
- Body position
- Brain waves
- Breathing pattern
- Eye movements
- Heart rate
- Limb movement
- Snoring and other noises you may make as you sleep
If you show signs of sleep apnea, the technologist may have you try a CPAP device during the study. The device consists of a mask that covers your nose and a pump that gently delivers air to help you breathe.
You probably won't fall asleep as easily or sleep as well at the sleep center as you do at home. This issue usually doesn't affect the test results. A full night's sleep isn't required to obtain accurate results.
In the morning, the technologist removes the sensors, and you can return to your usual activities. You will have a follow-up appointment with the sleep medicine specialist to discuss the results.
How can I create better sleep habits?
Following these tips routinely can help you get a better night’s sleep:
- Avoid alcohol at least three hours before bedtime
- Avoid caffeine within six hours of bedtime
- Avoid daytime napping. If daytime sleepiness becomes overwhelming, limit yourself to a single nap of less than one hour, no later than 3 p.m.
- Avoid smoking close to bedtime
- Avoid taking sleeping pills or use them conservatively
- Establish relaxing presleep rituals, such as a warm bath, light bedtime snack or 10 minutes of reading
- Exercise regularly but confine vigorous exercise to at least six hours before bedtime and mild exercise to at least four hours before bedtime
- Go to bed only when you are sleepy
- Keep a regular schedule for meals, medications, chores and other activities to help your inner clock run smoothly
- Minimize light, noise and temperature extremes in your bedroom
- Wake up about the same time every day
What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?
If you need help with billing and insurance, our Patient Account Services team is here for you. You may also qualify for financial assistance if you are experiencing difficult financial circumstances and require medically necessary care.
Explore locations or providers near you for details on sleep medicine:
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