I think I have a sleep disorder. What should I do?

Talk with your doctor. Explain your symptoms and concerns. He/she will determine what the next step should be.

How do I go about getting a sleep study?

Talk with your doctor. A physician or other heath care practitioner must order the sleep study. It can be faxed directly to our office. We will take it from there, verify your insurance and call you to schedule your study.

My bed partner says I snore loudly. Is this a health problem?

It could be. Talk with your doctor. Review other health issues. A sleep study might be needed to determine if you have sleep apnea. See our  section on Sleep and Health.

I can’t keep my legs still in the evening night?  What does this mean?

It could mean you have Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Talk with your doctor. Having your iron levels checked may be appropriate. Low iron can contribute to restless legs. Other medical conditions can also contribute to RLS (kidney disease, diabetes). There are medications that can help as well as behavioral modifications, like decreasing caffeine intake, that are helpful as well.

How much sleep should I get?

Sleep needs by age:

Newborn 0 to 3 month: 14-17 hours
Infants 4 to 11months:  12-15 hours
Toddlers 1 to 2 yrs:  11-14 hours
Pre-school 3 to 5 yrs: 10-13 hours
School age 6 to 13 yrs: 9-11 hours
Teenagers 14-17 yrs: 8-10 hours
Adults: 7-9 hours
Older adults age 65+: 7 - 8 hours