Recent studies have shown sleep apnea to be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease in addition to directly causing sleep related problems.

Many sleep disorders can be diagnosed with an overnight sleep study, or polysomnogram, according to Dr. Varraux. The sleep study simultaneously records the patient's brainwaves, muscle activity, heart rhythms, belly and chest wall effort, air flow to the nose and mouth, snoring patterns, blood oxygen levels and nerve impulses to the eye. These factors can help identify the onset of REM (rapid eye movement), dream states and possible impediments to sound sleep.

Sleep apnea is a condition affecting some 15 million Americans, and is among the most common disorders diagnosed at the Lab. Those affected often experience fatigue, headaches, and lethargy. They often have repetitive, involuntary breathing pauses throughout the night due to absent or impaired air flow through the back of the throat. "This results in an adrenaline surge, which, in turn, causes an elevation in respiratory effort, blood pressure, lung circulatory pressures and heart rate," Dr. Alan R. Varraux explains "The outcome is sleep disruption, loud, irregular snoring, carryover fatigue and headaches."

Men are twice as likely as women to suffer from sleep apnea. This is commonly associated with obesity and large neck size, and can be exacerbated by alcohol, tobacco and sedative use. Once diagnosed, however, it can be easily treated with a bedside device, roughly the size of a toaster, called Nasal CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). A mask attached to the machine blows a constant stream of air into the nose and mouth, acting as a pneumatic splint to prevent the throat from collapsing.

Another common sleep disorder affecting 3-5% of U.S. adults is (RLS). Individuals with RLS often experience a pins-and-needles sensation in their legs and feel an irresistible urge to move, making sleep initiation difficult. RLS is often associated with anemia, pregnancy, kidney problems and back problems, says Dr. Alan R. Varraux. Although it can affect individuals of all ages, it is most often seen in older adults. Fortunately, RLS can be treated with a range of therapies.