Sleep isn’t just a “time out” from daily life. It is a necessary function of the human body and we spend almost one third of our lives doing it. More than 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, but many sleep disorders are under recognized. Sleep disturbance can have a significant impact on your overall health and other adverse consequences, such as loss of workplace productivity and motor vehicle accidents associated with driver fatigue.
The North Metro Center for Sleep Medicine is a specialty outpatient program offered through the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology for quality, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of all sleep disorders including:
- Sleep-related breathing disorders – trouble maintaining enough oxygen in the blood or episodes of apnea (breathing pauses) during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and occurs in 5-10% of the adult population. It is characterized by loud snoring, breathing pauses, and fragmented sleep due to intermittent narrowing of the throat/upper airway that blocks airflow to the lungs. The level of oxygen in the bloodstream may fall, sometimes to dangerously low levels. You may have OSA if you experience morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, difficulty with memory/concentration, or sexual dysfunction. Diagnosis and treatment are especially important because sleep-related breathing disorders can contribute to serious health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias. In addition to being highly skilled in working with patients on PAP (positive airway pressure) therapies, we offer the full range of treatment options for sleep apnea, including Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation, custom dental appliances, and partnership with specialty surgical services.
- Excessive somnolence (unusual sleepiness) – difficulty staying awake outside of the normal sleeping period. One example of this type of disorder is narcolepsy, a chronic condition with recurrent uncontrollable episodes of sleep during the day that typically begins in the teens or twenties. Conditions with excessive somnolence can profoundly impair your ability to participate in activities of daily life. Excellent treatment options are available.
- Insomnia – trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep throughout the night. Insomnia is extremely common (10-30% of the adult population) and has many causes, including stress, other medical conditions, shift work, and jet lag. Behavioral interventions, including careful attention to sleep hygiene, are often recommended. In certain cases, sleep medications may be considered, as well as referral to a Behavioral Sleep Medicine specialist for additional counseling and therapy.
- Parasomnias – any sleep-related behavior that disrupts a person or his/her family. Common parasomnias include sleepwalking, rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, nighttime teeth grinding, and sleep terrors. Certain types of seizures are also more likely to occur during the night.
- Restless Legs Syndrome – an uncomfortable urge to move the legs while inactive in the evening hours that may be accompanied by twitching/kicking of the legs regularly during the night. The patient and their bed partner may suffer from associated sleep deprivation. Excellent treatment options are available.
- Circadian rhythm sleep disorders – an alteration in the natural pattern of waking and sleeping that occurs within a twenty-four hour day. The major sleep period may be several hours off from what is desired or expected, commonly interfering with work and/or social activities.
Dr. Cornelius answers 10 questions about Sleep Medicine in the September 2011 issue of Minnesota Health Care News.
For additional information about these and other topics, please visit the patient education website from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine at www.sleepeducation.org.
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
Evaluations at the North Metro Center for Sleep Medicine, including a comprehensive sleep history and examination, are performed by Dr. Jason Cornelius, and Jamie Witt, PA-C. Your health care professional can arrange for a consultation by contacting us at our Maple Grove office. Patients are seen at the following office locations:
North Metro Center for Sleep Medicine
Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology – Maple Grove Office
9645 Grove Circle No., Suite 100
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-302-4114
Minnetonka Medical Center
15450 Highway 7
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Appointments: 763-302-4114
Testing may be indicated as part of your evaluation. Follow this link to learn more about Sleep Studies.