Sleep is a necessity. Research shows that most of us need about eight hours of good quality sleep a night to rest our bodies and refresh our minds, so we can perform at our best. And, of course, people simply enjoy a good night's sleep.

But, many people have real problems with sleep. The symptoms include inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, snoring and other breathing disorders while sleeping, which can cause drowsiness when we need to be alert. Untreated, these problems can have a devastating effect on the quality of our lives, making us physically and mentally unable to deal with everyday challenges we face. In fact, some illnesses such as high blood pressure - even heart attacks - can be linked to certain sleep disorders.

The Sleep lab at Town and Country Hospital specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. The center is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. For more information, please call 813-874-8806.

Examples of Sleep Disorders
Sleep Disorders are a wide range of physical and psychological conditions that keep people from getting sufficient rest. Some of the common conditions we encounter at the Sleep Center include:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Individuals with OSA snore loudly, have repeated episodes of stoppage of breathing at night due to collapse or blockage of the airway. The OSA sufferer's sleep is repeatedly interrupted causing poor sleep at night and tiredness during the day.
• Narcolepsy: Individuals with Narcolepsy have a condition causing severe daytime sleepiness and falling asleep at inappropriate times.
• Insomnia: Individuals with Insomnia have an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
• Periodic Leg Movements during Sleep: Jerky or active legs while sleeping may cause interrupted sleep.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Disorders
You should consider seeking help if you experience these symptoms:

• Frequent difficulty falling asleep in bed at night Frequent awakening during sleep
• Heavy snoring
• Partner says you stop breathing during sleep
• Dozing off while driving
• Often waking with a headache
• Sleepiness during the day
• Difficulty concentrating at work/school
• Profuse sweating at night
• Leg cramps or "crawling" feeling in legs
• Restless legs that interfere with falling asleep.