Norton Audubon Sleep Disorders Center

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that a one out of three adult doesn't get the sleep they need. However, many of these people disregard their symptoms as normal or not important to their health. There is a center in Louisville dedicated to helping people diagnose and treat sleep disorders, the Norton Audubon Sleep Disorders Center.

Professionals on the staff of the Norton Audubon Hospital Sleep Disorders Center are specialists in sleep-related disorders and diseases. For more information, contact us at (502) 636-7459, or sleepisourjob@nortonhealthcare.org.

The Norton Audubon Hospital Sleep Disorders Center was established in 1983. One of the oldest accredited centers in the country, it was the first to be fully accredited in Kentucky.

Professionals on the staff of the Norton Audubon Hospital Sleep Disorders Center are specialists in sleep-related disorders and diseases.

Take a Sleep Health Assessment to learn more about your sleeping patterns.

What is a Sleep Disorder?
Sleep disorder is a term used for any condition that disrupts normal sleep-wake patterns. Such disorders may include, but are not limited to the following:

Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring may be an indication of a serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea. People with this disorder stop breathing repeatedly during sleep- as many as several hundreds times during the night. This results in multiple awakenings, which may cause sleepiness during waking hours. Headaches, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke have been associated with sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea - Preventative Medicine
Sleep apnea affects more that just your sleep. The following are examples of how treating sleep apnea can positively affect your overall health.

  • Treating sleep apnea can improve high blood pressure; sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for hypertension.
  • Treating sleep apnea can improve your overall mood and decrease problems associated with depression.
  • Studies have shown that treatment of sleep apnea can improve left ventricle function in patients with congestive heart failure.
  • Studies have shown that sexual dysfunction in men can improve when sleep apnea is properly treated.
  • Clinical studies have demonstrated that treatment of sleep apnea has decreased the severity of acid reflux disease.
  • Studies have shown the glucose control improves with treatment of sleep apnea.

Recognizing and treating sleep apnea is now considered part of a routine preventative medicine program.

Insomnia
Insomnia is difficulty in initiating and/or maintaining sleep. It may result from a variety of causes, such as breathing difficulties or involuntary muscle movements during sleep. Altered sleep-wake schedules, environment, stress, depression or there psychological factors also may contribute to insomnia.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is characterized by persistent sleepiness during waking hours, which may interfere with functioning at work or school. This can occur despite adequate sleep. Some, but not all, patients with narcolepsy experience symptoms such as vivid nightmares or hallucinations at sleep onset, a feeling or paralysis when falling asleep and/or a sudden muscle weakness during periods of emotion.

Restless Leg Syndrome/Periodic Limb Movement
Periodic limb movements are caused by involuntary muscle contractions during sleep, possibly resulting in insufficient sleep. Symptoms may include a crawling sensation or restless feeling in the legs prior to sleep onset. This condition may occur independently or in conjunction with other medical disorders, such as anemia or renal failure.

Sleep-Wake Schedule
When the regular pattern of sleeping and waking is disrupted due to shift work, jet lag or other factors, some people find it difficult to resume a sleep-wake schedule that fits their needs. Some cases of insomnia or daytime sleepiness may result form changes in the sleep-wake schedule.

Initial Consultation
The first visit to the Norton Audubon Sleep Disorders Center is a consultation appointment. A referral from your primary physician may be required prior to scheduling this appointment. You will be asked to complete questionnaires to provide important sleep and medical histories. This information will be reviewed with you and a physician specializing in sleep medicine to determine if sleep testing is required. If you need help finding a physician, call (502) 629-1234.

Sleep Testing
The center's diagnostic testing area consists of several private sleeping rooms with state-of-the-art equipment for monitoring sleep stages, breathing patterns, heart activity, blood oxygen levels and body movements.

If sleep testing is required, you will spend one night in the center. You also may be asked to stay for additional testing and evaluation procedures.

Treatment
Once a sleep disorder is diagnosed, it can typically be effectively treated. The team of specialists at the Norton Audubon Hospital Sleep Disorders Center will evaluate the results of your studies and will make recommendation for treatment.

You may be asked to return to the center for a follow-up visit to check your progress, but your primary care physician will manage the long-term treatment of your sleep disorder.

Sleep is Essential
A good night's sleep does more to keep your body healthy and active than any exercise routine or diet. But many people underestimate the power of sleep.

As you sleep, your body does repair work. Sleep allows the brain to consolidate the day's learning into memory, and gives your body the chance to do some maintenance work like replacing old cells with new ones and reenergizing your muscles and organs.