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Telephone: (610) 685-LUNG (5864)
Address: 2608 Keiser Blvd • Wyomissing, PA 19610
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Sleepiness

Below you will find information on Sleepiness, as provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. For more information, visit aasm.org.

Why Are You Sleepy?

Everyone experiences some level of excessive sleepiness during his or her life time, however, it should not be experienced on a consistent basis. Some common causes of excessive sleepiness occur with change:

  • Changes in our physical health
  • Changes in our mental health
  • Changes in a woman's life cycle
  • Changes involving growing older

If you are experiencing this feeling on a consistent basis, you should discuss this with your primary care physician. After their assessment of your symptoms, they may determine that you should see a sleep specialist for a more detailed sleep evaluation.

Risks of Sleepiness to Your Health

  • Can lead to a lower quality of life
  • Can endanger public safety by contributing to traffic and industrial accidents
  • Can affect personal health by lowering the bodys immunity
  • Sleep disorder s are linked with heart disease, heart attack, heart arrhythmias, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, chronic lung disease to name a few.
  • An untreated sleep disorder can be life threatening
  • Nirav Patel, MD, MPH, FCCP, FASM, our former colleague before his untimely passing, was a leading researcher in this field. Some of his recent publication may be viewed at the following link:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3407270/

How Can I Be Evaluated for Sleepiness?

See your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. He or she may refer you to a sleep specialist for a more detailed evaluation.

Contact Respiratory Specialists Sleep Health Center at 610-685-5864 Ext 153 and ask for a sleep evaluation with one of our highly trained sleep specialists.

At this appointment you may undergo:

  • A thorough sleep specific history and physical is performed.
  • A diagnostic sleep study may be considered depending on the above findings.
  • Depending on the findings, behavioral interventions for insomnia or insufficient sleep, medical therapy for various sleep disorders, or consideration of CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapies for obstructive sleep apnea may need to be considered.
  • Your insurance company may require a referral from your primary care provider in order to see a specialist.

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